Private Pilot (Airplane)
Taxiing Lesson Plan

Introduction:

Attention:

  • Research a mishap case study:
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
  • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

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:

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

Required Materials:

  • Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL) Airman Certification Standards:


Private Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL) Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL) Risk Management:

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

  • PA.II.D.R1:

    Activities and distractions.

  • PA.II.D.R2:

    Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.

  • PA.II.D.R3:

    A taxi route or departure runway change.

  • PA.II.D.R4:

    Runway incursion.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL) Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:

  • PA.II.D.S1:

    Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.

  • PA.II.D.S2:

    Use an airport diagram or taxi chart during taxi, if published, and maintain situational awareness.

  • PA.II.D.S3:

    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.

  • PA.II.D.S4:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

  • PA.II.D.S5:

    Perform a brake check immediately after the airplane begins moving.

  • PA.II.D.S6:

    Maintain positive control of the airplane during ground operations by controlling direction and speed without excessive use of brakes.

  • PA.II.D.S7:

    Comply with airport/taxiway markings, signals, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances and instructions.

  • PA.II.D.S8:

    Position the airplane properly relative to hold lines.

Re-Motivation:

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: