6. TAXI.

Taxi

As a confirmation to thumbs up from the mechanic, the taxi light is set to ON and after that flaps to TAKE OFF (11°). Before start of taxi, the GROUND FLOOD lights are set to ON. (By some aircraft manufacturers also called RUNWAY TURN OFF lights).

The outside air temperature is 4° and dewpoint 4°, therefor the engine anti ice is set to ON. This is always done whenever the temperature (OAT) is +6° or less and either the dewpoint is at or within 3°C of ambient temperature or moist conditions are evident (such as rain, sleet, snow, fog or water, ice on the taxiway or runway).

During ground operation at temperatures of +3°C or below and simultaneous high moisture conditions (rain, sleet, snow or fog) the engine anti-ice system may not be capable of keeping the engines clear of ice during prolonged taxiing and/or long periods of idling. Periodic engine run-ups (70% N1 for a minimum of 15 seconds) shall be made in these conditions. Additionally, takeoff under these conditions shall always be preceded by an engine run-up.

Taxi map The AFTER START checklist is completed, lets call for taxi clearance. This is the first time we call the ATC, until now ACAR or ground crew have been our contact with ATC.
  • 1. We receives clearance via taxiway H and Z to holding runway 21.
  • 2. We are also told to give way to a Swiss Embraer on taxiway Z.
Our stand was 16 and after pushback we have the nose to the north. The Swiss comes from the south on Z towards runway 21.

The taxi checklist is rather short and is always read by the R/P. There is only one stearing wheel on the left side of the cockpit. It is possible to move the nose wheel by the rudder pedals, but the angle is limited to 17º.
When approaching the holding position at the runway end, we are told to contact the tower.


Go back to Flying the MD80 Move on to Takeoff.