Prepare for: Engine Start and Taxi
Starting the engine safely and taxiing with correct control positioning, speed and runway-incursion awareness.
Your CFI's syllabus and your airplane's POH come first. This page is a general study aid to help you show up prepared.
What you'll do
- Brief the start: area clear, brakes set, call 'Clear!' loudly before engaging the starter.
- After start, check oil pressure rises into the green within the POH time limit; if not, shut down.
- Set lights, avionics and transponder as briefed, then listen to ATIS and get your taxi clearance (or announce on CTAF).
- Taxi at a brisk walking pace using rudder pedals to steer; test brakes as you start rolling.
- Position controls for wind: climb into a headwind, dive away from a tailwind (aileron up on the upwind side for a quartering headwind).
- Read back hold-short instructions and stop at every hold-short line unless cleared across.
The standard you'll be held to
Quoted from the current FAA Airman Certification Standards for each level that tests this.
Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)Task PA.II.C · Engine Starting
- Position the airplane properly considering structures, other aircraft, wind, and the safety of nearby persons and property.
- Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)Task PA.II.D · Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL)
- Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
- Use an airport diagram or taxi chart during taxi, if published, and maintain situational awareness.
- Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
- Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- Perform a brake check immediately after the airplane begins moving.
- Maintain positive control of the airplane during ground operations by controlling direction and speed without excessive use of brakes.
- Comply with airport/taxiway markings, signals, and air traffic control (ATC) clearances and instructions.
- Position the airplane properly relative to hold lines.
Read it in the FAA handbooks
The official chapters behind this page. Each link opens the exact chapter, free on faa.gov. See the full Study Library.
Prepare the night before
- Get the airport diagram and highlight your likely taxi route and hot spots.
- Memorize the taxi wind-control rule.
- Practice the radio call for taxi out loud.
Common mistakes
- Taxiing too fast and riding the brakes.
- Missing a hold-short line (a runway incursion).
- Forgetting to check oil pressure right after start.
Questions to ask your instructor
- How should I position controls for today's wind?
- Where are the hot spots on this airport diagram?
Related lessons
Check yourself
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