TAXIING

AIM:

To manoeuvre the gyro on the ground at an appropriate speed and stopping at a nominated point.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Factors affecting taxi speed and stopping distance.

1 Inertia 

• more power to get started 
• less power as the gyro is moving   

2 Slope              

Uphill

• more power required to move
• less braking required to stop

Downhill

• less power required to move
• more braking required to stop

3 Surface           

• Grass, long or short, wet or dry  
• Rough ground, concrete, gravel

4 Wind              

• tailwind, 
• headwind, 
• crosswind

5 Power

Braking

• Using the hand brake by the throttle
• feet brakes on/by the pedals

Park brake operation   

as applicable to type

Directional Control     

• Rudder pedals to turn the gyro through nose wheel steering
• Rudder pedals to turn the gyro using slipstream over the rudder
• Differential braking

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT:       

• T's & P's suitable                                           
• Brake check - speed check                             
• Avoid using power & brake together           
• Rotor tip clearances                                      
• Slipstream considerations                             
• Instrument checks                                         

HUMAN FACTORS:

• LOOKOUT
• AIP
• Give way rules
• Know Wind Velocity
• Checklists - STARTIT
• ATIS
• Situational Awareness

EXERCISE:

1.       Moving off

• (Rotors turning - Hold stick fwd & into wind)
• Lookout - Rotor tip clearances
• Close throttle, release park brake
• Increase power to overcome inertia
• Close throttle
• TEST BRAKES

2.       Maintaining constant speed

• Anticipate power required
• Taxi at a jogging pace
• Avoid using power against brake

3.       Maintaining constant direction

• Look well ahead and to the sides, not just over the nose

4.       Turning

• Lookout - scan left & right for traffic/obstacles
• Rudder pedals only
• (Rotors turning - move stick into the wind)
• Power as required

5.       Stopping

• Lookout and anticipate nominated point
• Throttle closed
• Apply brake smoothly
• Once stopped, park brake on
• Idle rpm (2000rpm)

6.       Brake failure

• Close throttle and steer away from obstacles
• Collision imminent, Mags off