Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Taxiing The nose wheel linkaqe, tire pressure, spring tension, and seat position affect taxiing and often cause turns in one direction to be easier than in the other. Winds over 12 kts can cause the aircraft to weather vane. Learn to compensate for both aircraft linkage and the wind. The competent pilot stays on the yellow line. Since the steering of the Cessna uses two springs in which one spring usually has a different tension, a different degree of anticipation is required to make turns. Learn to taxi with a minimum of braking because the brake pads are not much larger than a silver dollar. Braking is used only for making sharp turns and stopping. Take the student through several left and right turns by applying brake pressure. The first skill element of taxiing is developing a smooth movement of the throttle control. This skill may be taught by holding the Cessna throttle knob in the palm of the hand and using the index finger as a lock and guide. I recommend holding Piper quadrant throttles with the thumb up and palm forward. Taxi instruction begins by practicing smooth throttle movement from 800 RPM up to 1200 RPM and back again. The aircraft idles at 800 but the brakes must be held on. It takes 1200 RPM to get the aircraft moving for taxiing, but once moving 800 will maintain the fast walk speed desired. While circumstances may vary, the "fast walk" speed seems most desirable. If brakes are applied during this slow taxi for turning or otherwise then power must be smoothly re-applied and then reduced once desired speed is acquired. Power is also needed if a small grade must be climbed. Each phase of flight deserves an equal level of attention. A poor control decision while taxiing can be just as dangerous as one made in flight. The first taxiing lesson should be done with feet alone and hands off the yoke. Using a straight taxi area clear of obstructions have the student practice a controlled weave of the plane in S-turns from one side of the taxiway to the other using just rudder pressure and no brakes. After the feel of the bungee springs seems to be acquired, have the student attempt to follow the center line of the taxiway with only the use of rudder pressures. The second skill of taxiing is the use of rudder in combination with the brakes. The student must be shown that the position and pressures of the feet and toes determines the amount of turning effect from the bungee springs and brake. Every effort should be made to effect turning without the use of brakes. Brake applications should be the minimum needed either to turn or stop. Some aircraft brake pads are not much larger than a silver dollar. Tighter turns requiring a light application of brakes should be introduced during the next lesson. Some of the turns should include coming to a smooth stop while straightening the nose wheel. Finally several 360 degree continuous turns should be performed both left and right with decreasing radii. You seldom hear of taxiing practice. Taxiing may not be flying but it deserves the same care, planning and awareness as any other flight operation. Before beginning to taxi, determine the wind direction and set the yoke. Check brakes at first roll. Another brake check might be made (lightly) on touchdown. Under certain conditions an off center taxi or landing may be appropriate on slick surfaces. Get student to taxi using rudder pedals only. No yoke (yet) or brakes. This will teach anticipation and a sense of how much spring pressure is available to turn in either direction. some adjustment of seat may be required to prevent use of brakes. Have student weave to each side of centerline, anticipate turns with full rudder pressure, and use brakes only when absolutely necessary. Next taxi exercise will be to use combination of smooth brake pressure. and power to make several left and right turns of 360, 270, and 180-degrees. The turns should be made with minimum brake and power and nose wheel should be straight on completion of turn. Later turn should be varied as to brake and power to increase sharpness of turn. As part of the exercise you should practice coming out of the turns on lines with the nosewheel straight, much as you would for entering alignment to a parking space. It will take some practice. Next taxi exercise will be to simulate winds or use actual winds for all taxiing. It is essential that the student master the basics of taxiing prior to solo. It is a matter of safety. Emphasize that yoke position will be taught during subsequent lessons. Taxiing is the last skill mastered by pilots. The difficulty arises from a conflict with past driving practice. The turn with the feet may be to the right while the turn of the yoke with the hand may be to the left. This is a difficult unlearning exercise for most of us. Taxiing is one of the last operational skills mastered and the one that is the first indicator of a pilot's competence. Taxi at a speed appropriate to your skill, the aircraft, and conditions. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM