Commercial Pilot (Airplane)
Taxiing Lesson Plan

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with taxi operations, including runway incursion avoidance.


Attention

Attention

Motivator

Motivator
  • Having just started the aircraft and completed the required checklists, the pilot is ready to put the aircraft in motion
  • Taxiing is that movement of an aircraft while on the ground, under its own power
  • Taxiing is accomplished primarily through the use of the rudder and brakes however, pilots are also required to mitigate the impacts of wind
  • Since movement on an airport's surface involves coordination, clearances requirements/coordination are required to operate
  • With the basics in mind, pilots execute Taxi Procedures as they move about an airport's surface area
  • While the movement of the aircraft is our primary concern, there remain some checklist items we must accomplish to prepare/close-out an operation
  • Finally, while taxiing seems straight forward, it can also be an art, with best practices that can help pilots
  • Once your engine has started you must be aware of what you're doing and keep a visual scan, your "flight" has begun
    • It may be required initially to tow the aircraft before engines are started to be safe

Overview

Overview
Topic:
Time:
Attention/Motivator:
0:05
Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
0:05
Part 2, Preflight Considerations:
0:15
Part 3, Taxiing Considerations:
0:15
Part 4, Taxiing Procedures:
0:15
Part 5, Taxiing Guided Scenario:
0:20
Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
0:05
Remotivation/Closure:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
1:25

Materials

Materials
  • Required Materials:
    • Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
    • Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
    • Chart Supplement U.S.
    • Airport Diagram.
    • Internet-enabled device (to review NOTAMS).
    • Airman Certification Standards.
    • Student jacket.
  • Optional Materials:

Instructor Actions

Instructor Actions

Taxiing Guided Scenario(s)

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

Student Actions

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL) Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL) Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an 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:

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills 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

Re-Motivation

Closure

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

Reference Materials

Reference Materials