TAXIING

Objectives

• Hover taxi — operate < 25' AGL.
• Air taxi — greater distance within airport.
• Surface taxi — minimal effect of downwash.

Performance standards

• Track: ±4' off path.
• Target: ±4'.
• Altitude: ±1/2'.
• Air taxi altitude: ±10'.

Common errors (general)

• Erratic cyclic movement.
• Improper pedal control.
• Failing to maintain altitude.
• Overflying aircraft.
• Flying in the H/V Diagram shaded area.
• Excessive tail-low attitudes.
• Excessive power to stop.
• Failure to maintain alignment.

5' (below 25'). Brisk walk speed.

Used when

• Poor surface condition (wheel type),
• Skid-type helicopters, or
• Position a short distance.

Cautions

• Maintain higher to avoid dynamic rollover when flying over bushes, slopes and obstacles.
• Maintain higher to avoid damaging blades when flying over falling objects (plastic bag, water bottle, paper, and grass clippings).
• Maintain higher over sand to avoid losing visibility.

25' (below 100'). Avoid the high-speed portion of the H-V Diagram.

Used when

• Movement of greater distances within an airport,
• To avoid obstructions (vehicles, aircraft, etc.), or
• To make quick stops.

Cautions

• Avoid air taxi / quick stop in a tail wind to avoid S.W.P.
• Avoid the shaded area of the H-V Diagram in case of engine failure.

Used when

• Wheel-type helicopters, to minimize downwash, or
• High density altitude.

Common errors

• Improper cyclic.
• Failing to use pedals to maintain heading control.
• Improper controls during crosswind operations.