AA.II.D — Taxiing and Sailing (ASES, AMES)

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with safe taxi and sailing operations.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• AA.II.D.K1Current airport/seaplane base aeronautical references and information resources including Chart Supplements, airport diagram, and appropriate references.
• AA.II.D.K2Taxi instructions/clearances, if applicable.
• AA.II.D.K3Airport/seaplane base markings, signs, and lights.
• AA.II.D.K4Appropriate aircraft lighting for day and night operations.
• AA.II.D.K5Sailing elements and techniques and when sailing should be used.
• AA.II.D.K6Considerations for determining the most favorable sailing course.
• AA.II.D.K7Airport/seaplane base procedures including:
  • AA.II.D.K7aa. Appropriate flight deck activities prior to taxi or sailing, including route planning, and coordinating with crew, if applicable
  • AA.II.D.K7bb. Communications at towered and nontowered seaplane bases
  • AA.II.D.K7cc. Entering or crossing runways (land operation)
  • AA.II.D.K7dd. Night taxi and sailing operations
  • AA.II.D.K7ee. Low visibility taxi and sailing operations

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• AA.II.D.R1Inappropriate activities and distractions.
• AA.II.D.R2Porpoising and skipping.
• AA.II.D.R3Failure to complete checklist(s).
• AA.II.D.R4Low visibility taxi and sailing operations.
• AA.II.D.R5Other aircraft, vessels, and hazards.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• AA.II.D.S1Record/receive taxi instructions, read back/acknowledge taxi clearances, and review taxi routes on the airport diagram.
• AA.II.D.S2Use an appropriate chart during taxi, if published.
• AA.II.D.S3Comply with ATC clearances, as appropriate, and seaplane base/airport/taxiway markings, signals and signs.
• AA.II.D.S4Depart the dock/mooring buoy or beach/ramp in a safe manner, considering wind, current, traffic, and hazards.
• AA.II.D.S5Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to and during taxi or sailing, as appropriate.
• AA.II.D.S6Maintain situational awareness.
• AA.II.D.S7Maintain correct and positive airplane control, proper speed, appropriate use of reverse thrust, and separation between other aircraft, vehicles, vessels, and persons to avoid an incursion or right-of-way violation.
• AA.II.D.S8Position the flight controls, flaps, doors, water rudders, and power correctly for the existing conditions to follow the desired course while sailing and to prevent or correct for porpoising and skipping during step taxi.
• AA.II.D.S9Use the appropriate idle, plow, or step taxi technique.
• AA.II.D.S10Exhibit procedures for steering and maneuvering while maintaining proper situational awareness and desired orientation, path, and position.
• AA.II.D.S11Plan and follow the most favorable taxi or sailing course for current conditions.
• AA.II.D.S12Demonstrate taxi or sailing during day and night operations. If either condition is not available, the applicant must explain the differences between day and night taxi or sailing.
• AA.II.D.S13Demonstrate proper use of aircraft exterior lighting for day and night operations. If either condition is not available, the applicant must explain the differences between exterior aircraft lighting used for day and night operations.
• AA.II.D.S14Explain the hazards of low visibility taxi and sailing operations.