Objectives
To teach how to fly a multi-engine aeroplane safely, avoiding interference with other traffic, under varying conditions.
Motivation
All flights involve taxiing. Manoeuvring multi-engine aeroplane can be demanding due to the larger size, engine placement and heavier weight. Therefore, safe taxiing habits must be developed.
Essential Background Knowledge
Review:
- safe taxiing practices including
- speed control
- differential power
- brake usage - the use of the centreline to taxi
- use of the flight controls under strong wind conditions while taxiing ·
- conducting flight instrument checks during taxi
- local taxi rules, procedures and ATC instructions
Explain taxiing with one engine inoperative.
Advice to Instructors
Most light twins tend to taxi faster than single-engine aeroplanes. Consequently, the student may tend to ride the brakes.
Avoid overuse of differential power during taxiing. This quite often leads to see-saw taxiing at high speeds. Differential power should be used in crosswind conditions and for turning in confined areas.
Some aeroplanes do not have brake controls on the instructor's side. If such is the case with your training aeroplane, the student should be so informed.
Due to the height of the engines and propellers, propeller clearance may be limited. The student must exercise caution when taxiing on uneven surfaces or close to the edge of ramp areas.
Avoid doing run-up, pretake-off, and post-landing checks while the aeroplane is in motion. Otherwise, the distractions associated with such checks could lead to a taxiing accident or inadvertent selection of incorrect items such as the landing gear “UP” rather than flaps “UP”.
Instruction and Student Practice
Have the student place the flight controls properly for the existing wind conditions.
Start the aeroplane rolling and conduct a brake test. If the aeroplane is equipped with brake controls on the instructor's side, test them, too.
Allow the student to taxi the aeroplane with the object of noting similarities and differences in comparison with single engine aeroplanes.
Conduct the instrument checks in a clear area.
Demonstrate how to control the speed by first reducing the power and then applying the brakes.
When manoeuvring in the run-up area, demonstrate the use of differential power.