NCO.GEN.115 Taxiing of aeroplanes or gyroplanes

GYROPLANES — SAFETY-CRITICAL ACTIVITY When a person is designated by the operator to taxi a gyroplane on the movement area of an aerodrome, and that person is not an appropriately qualified pilot, the rotor of the gyroplane should be secured in its parking position.

SAFETY-CRITICAL ACTIVITY

(a)Taxiing should be treated as a safety-critical activity due to the risks related to the movement of the aeroplane or the gyroplane and the potential for a catastrophic event on the ground.

(b)Taxiing is a high-workload phase of flight that requires the full attention of the pilot-in-command.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE The person designated by the operator to taxi an aeroplane or a gyroplane should possess the following skills and knowledge:

(a)positioning of the aeroplane or the gyroplane to ensure safety when starting the engine;

(b)getting ATIS reports and taxi clearance, where applicable;

(c)interpretation of airfield markings/lights/signals/indicators;

(d)interpretation of marshalling signals, where applicable;

(e)identification of suitable parking areas;

(f)maintaining lookout and right-of-way rules and complying with ATC or marshalling instructions, when applicable;

(g)avoidance of the adverse effect of propeller slipstream or jet wash on other aircraft, aerodrome facilities and personnel;

(h)inspection of the taxi path when surface conditions are obscured;

(i)communication with others when controlling an aeroplane or a gyroplane on the ground;

(j)interpretation of operational instructions;

(k)reporting of any problem that may occur while taxiing an aeroplane or a gyroplane; and

(l)adapting the taxi speed in accordance with prevailing aerodrome, traffic, surface and weather conditions.