Taxi is the phase of aircraft operation in which the aircraft moves on the ground under its own power, typically between the parking area, runway, and other airport locations. Taxiing occurs after engine start and after landing, and is a critical phase where situational awareness, discipline, and coordination are essential to avoid collisions or runway incursions.
Key characteristics:
- Ground movement only: Taxiing is conducted on taxiways, aprons, ramps, and sometimes runways, but always at low speed and without intent to take off.
- Engine power management: Movement is controlled primarily with low engine thrust and braking. Excessive power can cause jet blast or prop wash hazards.
- Directional control: Pilots steer using nosewheel steering, differential braking, or tailwheel control, depending on aircraft type.
- ATC coordination: At controlled airfields, taxi clearance and routing are issued by Ground Control. At uncontrolled fields, pilots self-announce intentions.
Operational considerations:
- Maintain safe spacing from other aircraft, vehicles, and obstacles.
- Observe hold-short lines, runway crossings, and signage.
- Use appropriate taxi speeds, slower in congested areas or poor visibility.
- Monitor engine instruments during taxi, especially temperatures and pressures.
Safety relevance:
Taxi is statistically one of the highest-risk phases for ground incidents due to:
- Reduced attention after landing or before takeoff.
- Congested environments.
- Mixed traffic (aircraft, vehicles, personnel).
Runway incursions, wingtip strikes, and jet blast accidents most often occur during taxi rather than flight.
Application in DCS World:
Taxi procedures are modeled at a basic level:
- Aircraft can taxi using throttle and brakes, with nosewheel steering where applicable.
- ATC taxi instructions are simplified and often generic.
- Ground traffic and real-world airport congestion are limited compared to reality.
Despite simplifications, disciplined taxi behavior in DCS is essential in multiplayer environments to avoid collisions and to maintain realism.
Training guidance for cadets:
Cadets should practice:
- Taxiing at controlled speeds with smooth throttle and brake inputs.
- Maintaining centerline alignment on taxiways.
- Stopping precisely at hold-short lines.
- Proper radio calls when taxiing at controlled or uncontrolled airfields.
- Treating taxi as an active flight phase, not downtime.
Good taxi discipline reflects professional airmanship and sets the tone for the entire mission.