Correct Taxi Speeds

[Richard Smith]

Could anybody give me a general rule of thumb for taxi speeds ? The reason I
ask, is that on a recent business trip, I had to change planes in Frankfurt
and I noticed that most of the taxiing planes appeared to be "racing" each
other. They really were moving along quite quickly. Back here in Toronto,
they seem to move around much more slowly. Do taxi speeds differ between
countries/airports ? I also want to know, so that I can move around in FS98
more realistically.

Thanks,

Richard.

[bruce...@my-deja.com]

In article <1scv4.3742$Xk2....@tor-nn1.netcom.ca>,

> A lot of what you ask I can't say, but I'm sure it depends a lot on
the size and weight of the airplane. Of course the current wind is a
big factor, especially in light airplanes. Gustiness is important. In
a small trainer the rule of thumb is approx. a fast walk. Oh, yeah,
also depends, if it's windy, whether you have a high wing or low wing.
BTW, you taxi with the joy-stick pointing way over into a cross- wind
[to hold the wing down]. Heading into the wind, stick back, down wind,
foreward. Hope you find this helpful Bruce

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

[David Holland]

One thing you need to bear in mind with the bigger a/c is that if they are
taxied too fast then the nosewheel will skid when it is turned and the a/c
will continue straight ahead. A 747, for example, will not exceed something
in the region of 15-20 kts whilst taxiing.

David Holland
United Kingdom

[Jason & Traci Good]

Richard Smith wrote:

> Could anybody give me a general rule of thumb for taxi speeds ? The reason I
> ask, is that on a recent business trip, I had to change planes in Frankfurt
> and I noticed that most of the taxiing planes appeared to be "racing" each
> other. They really were moving along quite quickly. Back here in Toronto,
> they seem to move around much more slowly. Do taxi speeds differ between
> countries/airports ? I also want to know, so that I can move around in FS98
> more realistically.

Quoting from Stanley Stewart...

"Power is kept to a minimum in manoevering areas to prevent damage to equipment
and injury to personnel, the maximum allowable EPR (engine pressure ratio) being
1.08...the Boeing 747 is cumbersome on the ground; taxying has been likened to
driving down a London bus down a narrow path while steering from the top
deck....The maximum taxying speed in turns is 10kts, and 6kts in slippery
conditions."
(Flying the Big Jets)

I think the received wisdom is that slow and steady is the way to go - the size
of the aircraft and the number of potential hazards is such that caution usually
prevails. Save the speed for when the clouds are below you <g>.

cheers,

jay