Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, the student will demonstrate proficient helicopter taxiing with wheel-type landing gear in accordance with FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.IV.D. The student will:
- Complete appropriate checklists and utilize current aeronautical references for taxi operations
- Demonstrate proper flight control positioning and techniques for taxi operations
- Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal operating limits
- Control taxi speed using cyclic, collective, and brakes while maintaining specified track within 4 feet
- Position the helicopter relative to hold lines or specified points
- Comply with ATC clearances and airport/heliport markings, lights, and signals
Content
Aeronautical References and Information Resources
Current airport aeronautical references are essential for safe taxi operations. 14 CFR §91.103 requires pilots to become familiar with all available information concerning the flight. Key resources include:
Chart Supplement: Contains detailed airport information including runway/taxiway dimensions, surface types, lighting systems, and operational procedures. Review Hot Spots identified for the specific airport - these are locations with a history of surface incidents.
Airport Diagrams: Provide visual representation of runway and taxiway layout, including hold short lines, ILS critical areas, and construction areas. Always cross-reference with current NOTAMs.
NOTAMs: Contain time-critical information about airport conditions, closures, and operational changes. Check D-NOTAMs (distant), L-NOTAMs (local), and FDC NOTAMs before taxi operations.
Taxi Instructions and Clearances
ATC taxi clearances follow standardized phraseology per the Pilot/Controller Glossary. Key elements include:
- Aircraft identification
- Taxi clearance limit (runway, ramp, etc.)
- Route of taxi (specific taxiways)
- Any restrictions or hold short instructions
Ground controllers may issue “taxi to” or “taxi via” clearances. “Taxi to” provides the destination with pilot discretion on route selection. “taxi via” specifies the exact route.
Airport Signs, Markings, and Lighting
Mandatory Instruction Signs: Red background with white inscription (runway designators, ILS critical areas). Compliance is required by 14 CFR §91.129.
Location Signs: Yellow background with black inscription, identify taxiway or runway location.
Direction Signs: Yellow background with black inscription and arrows, provide routing information.
Destination Signs: Yellow background with black inscription, indicate destinations like ramps or terminals.
Runway Hold Position Markings: Four yellow lines (two solid, two dashed) across taxiways at runway intersections. The solid lines face the pilot when holding short is required.
Taxiway Edge Lighting: Blue lights define taxiway edges. Green lights mark taxiway centerlines.
Visual Wind Indicators
Windsocks provide immediate visual wind information. Orange and white segmented cones indicate wind direction and approximate velocity. A fully extended windsock indicates winds of approximately 15 knots or greater.
Airport rotating beacons operate from sunset to sunrise and during periods of less than 3 statute miles visibility or ceilings less than 1,000 feet during daylight hours.
Aircraft Lighting
Anti-collision lights (red rotating beacon or strobe lights) must be operated per 14 CFR §91.209 when the engine is running. Position lights (navigation lights) enhance visibility during taxi operations, especially in low-light conditions.
Landing lights may be used during taxi but should be considered for their effect on other aircraft and ground personnel visibility.
Pre-Taxi Procedures
Complete the Before Taxi checklist which typically includes:
- Flight controls - Check freedom of movement
- Instruments - Check for proper indications
- Radios - Set and test
- Transponder - Set as required
- Anti-collision lights - On
Route planning involves studying the airport diagram, identifying taxi routes, Hot Spots, and potential conflict areas. Brief the taxi route and identify runway crossing requirements.
Safe Taxi Procedures - Towered Airports
Contact ground control for taxi clearance before moving. Acknowledge clearances by repeating aircraft identification and key elements. If uncertain about any clearance, request clarification immediately.
Maintain constant vigilance for other aircraft, ground vehicles, and obstacles. The pilot’s eyes should be outside the aircraft, not on instruments during taxi.
Safe Taxi Procedures - Nontowered Airports
Monitor Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) and announce taxi intentions. Use standard phraseology: “Middleton traffic, helicopter 123AB, taxiing from ramp to runway 27, Middleton.”
Self-announce position and intentions clearly, especially when approaching runways or active areas.
Runway Entry and Crossing Procedures
Never enter or cross a runway without explicit ATC clearance at towered airports. At non-towered airports, ensure the runway is clear and announce intentions before entering.
Hold short lines are mandatory stopping points. When instructed to “hold short,” stop before the hold short line and await further clearance.
Risk Management
Activities and Distractions: Minimize cockpit tasks during taxi. Complete checklists and route planning before beginning taxi movement. Avoid heads-down activities while in motion.
Confirmation/Expectation Bias: Always read back clearances completely. Don’t assume clearances based on what you expect. If a clearance doesn’t sound right, query the controller.
Runway Incursion Prevention: The leading cause of runway incursions is pilot deviation. Always obtain clearance before entering runways. When in doubt, stop and clarify.
Speed Control: Taxi at a speed that allows immediate stop if necessary - typically walking pace. Reduce speed in turns and congested areas. Remember: helicopter taxi operations should never exceed a brisk walk speed.
Thrust Vector and Brake Use: Coordinate collective pitch changes with cyclic inputs to maintain ground track. Use brakes judiciously - abrupt braking can cause dynamic rollover in some helicopters.
Airframe and Rotor Clearances: Maintain awareness of rotor diameter and tail rotor clearance. Helicopter main rotors typically extend 15-25 feet from the fuselage center. Avoid taxi routes that compromise clearances with obstacles, other aircraft, or ground equipment.
Schedule
| Phase | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Briefing | 25 min | Airport diagram review, taxi procedures, risk factors |
| Pre-flight | 10 min | Aircraft inspection, checklist completion |
| Flight Operations | 30 min | Taxi demonstrations and practice |
| Post-flight | 10 min | Debriefing, performance evaluation |
| Total | 75 min | Complete lesson |
Equipment
- Current Airport/Facility Directory (Chart Supplement)
- Airport diagram for training airport
- Current NOTAMs
- Helicopter Flight Manual/POH
- Before Taxi checklist
- ATC radio equipment
- Headset with intercom capability
- Knee board with pen/pencil
- FAA-S-ACS-15 (Helicopter Private Pilot ACS)
- FAA-H-8083-21B (Helicopter Flying Handbook)
Instructor Actions
-
Brief the student on current airport conditions using Chart Supplement and NOTAMs, emphasizing any Hot Spots or construction areas
-
Review taxi clearance phraseology and demonstrate proper readback techniques using actual ATC recordings or role-play scenarios
-
Show airport diagram and identify all taxi routes, hold short lines, and runway crossing procedures for the lesson
-
Demonstrate proper positioning of nosewheel (locked or unlocked as appropriate for helicopter type) and explain the rationale
-
Show correct flight control positioning for existing wind conditions during taxi operations, explaining how cyclic and collective work together
-
Demonstrate initial taxi movement, emphasizing smooth collective application and coordinated cyclic inputs to maintain ground track
-
Show proper speed control using collective, cyclic, and brakes while maintaining powerplant parameters within normal limits
-
Demonstrate maintaining Nr within normal operating range during taxi operations, explaining power management techniques
-
Show how to maintain taxi track within 4 feet of centerline using visual references and control inputs
-
Demonstrate proper positioning relative to hold short lines, showing where to stop and how to judge distance
-
Model receiving and acknowledging ATC clearances, including proper readback procedures
-
Point out and explain compliance with taxiway markings, lights, and signals during actual taxi operations
-
Allow student to practice taxi operations under instructor supervision, providing immediate feedback
-
Demonstrate emergency stop procedures and when they might be necessary during taxi operations
Student Actions
- Review airport diagram and current NOTAMs before beginning taxi operations
- Complete Before Taxi checklist items accurately and announce completion
- Position nosewheel appropriately (locked or unlocked) based on helicopter type and manufacturer recommendations
- Position flight controls correctly for wind conditions while maintaining surface contact
- Request taxi clearance using proper phraseology and read back clearance accurately
- Control helicopter speed during taxi using coordinated inputs of cyclic, collective, and brakes
- Maintain powerplant parameters and Nr within normal operating limits throughout taxi operations
- Keep taxi track within 4 feet of specified path using outside visual references
- Stop at appropriate positions relative to hold short lines or other specified points
- Comply with all ATC clearances and instructions promptly and accurately
- Observe and comply with airport taxiway markings, lighting, and signals
- Maintain constant visual scan for traffic, obstacles, and clearance issues
- Verbalize decision-making process regarding speed control and obstacle clearance
Completion Standards
The student demonstrates satisfactory performance per FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.IV.D when they:
- Complete appropriate checklists without prompting or omission
- Use current airport diagram effectively to navigate taxi routes
- Position nosewheel (locked/unlocked) appropriately for helicopter type
- Position flight controls correctly for wind conditions while maintaining ground contact
- Demonstrate coordinated use of cyclic, collective, and brakes to control taxi speed
- Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within manufacturer-specified normal operating limits
- Maintain specified taxi track within 4 feet of centerline or designated path
- Position helicopter appropriately relative to hold short lines (stopping before the line)
- Receive and comply with ATC clearances/instructions with accurate readbacks
- Comply with all airport taxiway markings, lights, and signals without deviation
- Maintain adequate rotor and airframe clearance from obstacles throughout taxi operations
- Demonstrate appropriate taxi speeds (no faster than brisk walking pace)
- Show awareness of runway incursion prevention and Hot Spot locations