Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

Attention:

Motivator:

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Taxiing:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

  • Discuss Waivers airman certification standards

Student Actions:

Taxiing Guided Scenario(s):

  • Have student find an airport diagram of a local airport
    • Review the airport diagram symbology
    • What information does the Chart Supplement provide regarding taxi operations?
    • What information do Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMS) provide regarding taxi operations?
    • Highlight hot spots
  • Provide a simulated taxi clearance that includes turns, crossing/holding short of runways, etc. Simulatec taxi clearance should cover taxiing to an active runway as well as from (post-landing)
    • What radio calls are required to comply with the air traffic control clearance?
  • Provide environmentals such as wind
    • How would a pilot determine wind direction and speed while on the airport, utilizing visual and non-visual means?
    • Who has the right-of-way at an intersection (towered/non-towered airports)
    • How will flight controls change in turns relative to the environmentals provided?
  • Have the student describe the anticipated markings and signs related to taxiiway identification and runway identification
  • Discuss airport lighting for night operations
  • Discuss procedures and mitigations during low visibility taxi operations
  • Discuss checklist useage before, during, and after taxiing
  • Discuss distractions, unexpected instructions/changes, expectation bias, and what constitutes a runway incursion
  • Related scenarios:
    • Night Operations
  • Aids: None

Taxiing Case Studies:

  • Taxiing Case Studies:

    • NTSB Identification: MIA01LA034
      • The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The student pilot's failure to maintain a visual look out while transitioning from the active runway to a taxiway resulting in an on-ground collision with a taxiway sign
    • NTSB Identification: WPR20CA087:
      • The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a parked airplane during taxi operations at night
    • NTSB Identification: CEN23LA198:
      • The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain a safe taxi distance from a turbine-powered airplane, resulting in an encounter of the turbine-powered airplane’s jet blast while taxiing

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Airman Certification Standards:


Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
  • CA.II.D.K1:

    Current airport aeronautical references and information resources such as the Chart Supplement, airport diagram, and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).
  • CA.II.D.K2:

    Taxi instructions/clearances.
  • CA.II.D.K3:

    Airport markings, signs, and lights.
  • CA.II.D.K4:

    Visual indicators for wind.
  • CA.II.D.K5:

    Aircraft lighting, as appropriate.
  • CA.II.D.K6:

    Procedures for:
    • CA.II.D.K6a:

      Appropriate flight deck activities prior to taxi, including route planning and identifying the location of Hot Spots.
    • CA.II.D.K6b:

      Radio communications at towered and nontowered airports.
    • CA.II.D.K6c:

      Entering or crossing runways.
    • CA.II.D.K6d:

      Night taxi operations.
    • CA.II.D.K6e:

      Low visibility taxi operations.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
  • CA.II.D.R1:

    Activities and distractions.
  • CA.II.D.R2:

    Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
  • CA.II.D.R3:

    A taxi route or departure runway change.
  • CA.II.D.R4:

    Runway incursion.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:
  • CA.II.D.S1:

    Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
  • CA.II.D.S2:

    Use an airport diagram or taxi chart during taxi, if published, and maintain situational awareness.
  • CA.II.D.S3:

    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • CA.II.D.S4:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • CA.II.D.S5:

    Perform a brake check immediately after the airplane begins moving.
  • CA.II.D.S6:

    Maintain positive control of the airplane during ground operations by controlling direction and speed without excessive use of brakes.
  • CA.II.D.S7:

    Comply with airport/taxiway markings, signals, and air traffic control (ATC) clearances and instructions.
  • CA.II.D.S8:

    Position the airplane properly relative to hold lines.

Re-Motivation:

  • Still looking for something? Continue searching:

Closure:

  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson

Conclusion: