Airplane taxiing stands as a crucial phase in the journey of an aircraft, facilitating its movement on the ground. Whether it’s preparing for takeoff, transporting passengers, or parking upon landing, taxiing plays an integral role. This blog post aims to shed light on the intricacies of airplane taxiing, covering everything from safety procedures to future innovations.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN AIRPLANE TAXIING?
Have you ever watched an airplane after it lands, slowly maneuvering on the ground before reaching its parked position? That process is called taxiing. In simpler terms, taxiing refers to the movement of an airplane on the ground under its own power.
This is distinct from takeoff, where the airplane accelerates down the runway to gain lift-off, and landing, where it slows down after touching down. During taxiing, the airplane uses its engine power and propulsion system to move at a slower, controlled pace.
WHY DO AIRPLANES TAXI?
There are two main reasons why airplanes taxi:
- Runway Efficiency: Runways are the designated areas for takeoffs and landings. By taxiing to specific locations after landing, airplanes free up valuable runway space. This allows other aircraft to take off or land without delays, maintaining a smooth flow of air traffic at the airport.
- Ground Movement: Airports have a network of designated paths called taxiways. These taxiways allow airplanes to navigate between different parts of the airport grounds. This includes moving from the gate to the runway before takeoff, or vice versa upon landing. Taxiways also provide access to hangars for maintenance purposes.