TAXIING

'Taxiing' refers to the movement of an aircraft on the ground, under its own power. The aircraft usually moves on wheels, but the term also includes aircraft with skis or floats (for water-based travel).
An airplane uses taxiways to taxi from one place on an airport to another, for example: when moving from a terminal to the runway, or along the runway during take-off.
The thrust to propel the aircraft forward comes from its propellers or jet engines. Steering is achieved by turning a nose wheel or tail wheel/rudder; the pilot controlling the direction travelled with their feet. Larger jet aircraft have a tiller wheel on the left side of the aircraft that acts as a steering wheel allowing the nosewheel to be turned hydraulically. Braking is controlled by differential toe or heel brakes. Not all aircraft have steerable wheels, and in some cases steering is solely by means of differential braking.
The aileron and elevator controls are used to prevent wind from lifting the tail or a wing.
Helicopters with skids must hover taxi, while those with wheels may taxi on the ground.

Contents

Safety

Safety

When taxing aircraft normally travel at a walking speed (A maximum of about 30% of N1 in a Boeing 737) . This ensures that they are quick to stop and do not risk wheel damage on larger aircraft if they accidentally turn off the paved surface.
Rotor downwash limits helicopter hover-taxiing near parked light aircraft.
The use of engine thrust near terminals is restricted due to the possibility of jet blast damage.