Taxiing speed and changes in this speed must be done with great anticipation. Power increases for up-hill and decreases for down-hill are selected and timed for maintaining a constant speed without the application of brakes. The use of brakes while doing anything other than turning or stopping is a sign of poor planning. Taxiing speed can only be managed by prior planning. Brains instead of brakes.

The radius of a taxiing turn is proportional to speed. Excessive speed puts unacceptable side-loads on the gear, wheels, and tires. Slow down straight ahead, then turn. Excessive speed while turning into a quartering tail wind without immediate and proper aileron deflection is a sure way to wind up hanging from your seat belt. Excess speed is the number one cause of taxiing accidents but is followed by flight control position errors. Stay on firm surfaces while taxiing. Avoid gravel. If you must start in a gravel area, clean away under the prop area. Start with absolute minimum RPM and get rolling without too much power. Keep it rolling when over gravel at minimum power. The propeller creates a vacuum that will suck up rocks and pebbles so they can be hit by the next blade coming.

Basics of Taxiing:
1. Keep power and braking at minimum.
2. Don't taxi any faster than the instructor will run.
3. Controls to dive away and climb in the wind.
4. Plan ahead for slope and surface conditions.
5. FAR 91.113 indicates that you should never enter a runway without making sure the approach and bases are clear.
6. Every holding instruction while taxiing must be acknowledged and read back.

Last Modified August 14, ©2026 TAGE.COM