Follow The Yellow-Brick Road

Before we can get to the runway-or the FBO-we have to taxi. Its easy to conceive of the taxi portion of our flight operations to be akin to driving a car, but the only things they have in common is their two-dimensional nature. Instead, taxiing is an operation requiring a skill and experience level similar to landings. Especially since were often closer to other objects than at any other time. How to taxi depends on several variables, including time of day, visibility, aircraft type, the pavement (or lack of it) and its condition, plus surface traffic, among others. But if we focus on a few elements of the taxi operation and pay attention, we should be fine.

Key Takeaways:

• Taxiing is a critical aviation skill, comparable to landings, demanding careful pre-planning of routes and constant situational awareness to safely navigate obstacles and other traffic.
• Maintain a "head on a swivel" to identify and avoid obstacles, vehicles, and people, especially when operating in unfamiliar or crowded airport environments.
• Use minimal power to initiate and maintain slow speeds (generally 10-15 knots or less), and minimize brake application to prevent wear and ensure control.
• Adapt taxiing techniques for various surface conditions (wet, icy, grass, gravel) by reducing speed and adjusting power/pitch as needed, always prioritizing slow, controlled movement.

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