4.3 Taxi

Objective

To safely maneuver the aircraft from stand to runway.runway while maintaining full control, situational awareness and ground crew safety.

Taxi Phase Definition

The taxi phase begins when:

Pushback is completed
OR Aircraft starts moving under its own power (self-maneuvering stand)

Taxi Clearance

PF: Requests taxi clearance
PM: Handles ATC communication

Taxi Procedure

PF:

Releases parking brake Applies minimum thrust required to initiate movement

TaxiThrust Management

Use IDLE thrust whenever possible Apply thrust only to start movement Avoid continuous thrust application

Steering

Nose wheel steering via tiller (PF) Rudder pedals for small corrections Use smooth and controlled inputs

Speed Control

Standard taxi speed: ~20 kt Outside apron: max 30 kt Tight turns: max 15 kt

Brake Usage

Apply brakes smoothly Avoid aggressive braking Maintain passenger comfort

Self Maneuvering / 180° Turns

At stands where no pushback is used and a self-turn (e.g. 180°) is required:

Procedure

PF:

• ReleasesRelease parking brake

• Use

  Applies minimalminimum thrust toonly

initiateInitiate movementslow, controlled turn

Speed & Control

• Maintain very low speed

Avoid tight or aggressive steering Aircraft should roll smoothly through the turn

Lighting Policy (Ground Safety)

TypicalDuring taxiinitial speed:movement (nose still facing stand/apron):

• Taxi

  Straight:Lights max→ 20–30 knots

  OFF
• Runway

  Turns:Turnoff maxLights 10→ knots

  OFF

UseOnce idlealigned thrustwith whenevertaxi possibledirection:

Use brakes smoothly

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Monitoring (PM)

• Brake temperature

Taxi route

External traffic

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Taxi Lights

Nose Light → TAXI

Runway Turnoff Lights → ON

Purpose

Prevent blinding ground personnel Increase apron safety Ensure professional operation

Taxi Lights Configuration

During normal taxi:

Taxi Lights → TAXI Runway Turnoff Lights → ON Landing Lights → OFF

Monitoring (PM)

Brake temperature Taxi route External traffic Clearance compliance

Flight Control Check

Performed during taxi:

PF: “Flight Controls Check”

PM monitors ECAM:

• Full and free movement

• Correct deflection

Before Takeoff Preparation

Complete Before Takeoff Checklist

Completed

Verify beforeaircraft enteringconfiguration runway.

Key Principles

• Maintain situational awareness

  at all times
• Taxi

  Followwith taxilow clearanceenergy precisely

  and high precision
• Protect

  Avoidground excessivecrew speed

  through proper light usage

Core Rule

“Taxi is a low-energy phase – precision over speed.”

Outcome

A correct taxi ensures:

Safe ground operations Reduced workload before takeoff Proper aircraft positioning