Aircraft operations on the ground, notably taxiing and lining up on the runway, constitute an essential part of the flying experience. It’s not uncommon for passengers to question why planes often wait for extended periods on the taxiway or why the taxiing process takes so long. Once, I even overheard a passenger grumbling, “ano ba yan piloto, ang bagal magpaandar dito,” during the taxiing process. Allow me to share you general information on how an aircraft taxis from the terminal to the runway for takeoff.
Understanding the Aircraft Taxi Process
When an airplane moves under its own power on the ground, from one part of an airport to another, it’s termed as ‘taxiing.’ Once all passengers have boarded and fastened their seatbelts, the taxi phase begins, ushering the aircraft from the gate position to the assigned route on the ground.
The gate position refers to the airport area where an aircraft is loaded with passengers, baggage, and cargo, and is parked awaiting departure. A request for taxi clearance is then communicated to the ground and apron controller, the aviation professionals responsible for managing traffic on the ground. Upon receiving the go-ahead, the aircraft embarks on its journey to the runway, with taxi lights illuminated and parking brakes disengaged.
Safety Checks During Taxiing
Taxiing isn’t simply about moving the aircraft; it’s also a time to perform crucial safety checks. As the aircraft commences taxiing, it slows down to verify that the brakes are functioning correctly. Other checks, such as those on flight controls like ailerons, also take place, ensuring all equipment is operating as it should.
Taxi procedures can differ based on the type of aircraft and airline, and they may include processes like de-icing, where the aircraft enters a designated area for the removal of ice. Furthermore, the maximum speed during taxiing is capped at 30 knots to prevent the aircraft’s nose-wheel from collapsing, and turns are executed at speeds no higher than 10 knots.
Arriving at the Holding Point
The final phase of taxiing leads the aircraft to the ‘holding point,’ a predetermined location where it waits for its turn to access the runway. During this phase, the tower controller, responsible for authorizing lineup, takeoff, and landing, steps in.
The Transition to Line Up
The taxiing phase culminates when the tower controller grants lineup clearance to the aircraft. The lineup process begins as the airplane advances beyond the holding point and concludes when its fuselage aligns with the runway centerline. The tower controller also liaises with the cabin crew to ascertain if they are ready for departure, marking the end of the lineup process.
Special clearances may be given by the tower controller to avert any potential mishaps on the runway. For instance, the controller will make the crew cognizant of any aircraft scheduled to land before their lineup or those already present on the runway.
So I hope I was able to give you a view of the aircraft taxi and runway lineup procedure. These steps, though seemingly lengthy and complex, are fundamental to ensuring the safety of all aircraft moving in the ground.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
