F
F
L
L
I
I
G
G
H
H
T
T
T
T
R
R
A
A
I
I
N
N
I
I
N
N
G
G
S
S
U
U
P
P
P
P
L
L
E
E
M
M
E
E
N
N
T
T
for SPORT
STAR
Light Sport Aircraft
Document No.: S2006FTSUS Revision: -
Date of Issue: 15/01/2006
Page:
67/130
4.7 Taxiing
4.7.1 Introduction
The Sportstar is equipped with tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose
wheel controlled by the push-pull rods connected to the foot pedals. The
main wheels are equipped with the hydraulic brakes operated by the toe
brake pedals on the rudder pedals. Directional control can be achieved by
means of the steerable nose wheel, by differential pressure on the main
brakes or by a combination of both.
Every flight will involve manoeuvring the aircraft on the ground, to and from
the active runway. Because of this, one must thoroughly understand and
be proficient in taxi procedures.
When taxiing, pay attention to obstructions, persons, airport equipment and
signaling devices (flags, airfield lights etc.). When taxiing, also be cautious
of airfield lights. Airport lighting can be particularly hard to see in tall grass.
If you are taxiing at a controlled airport, you must establish two way
communication with the proper ATC facility and receive clearances. When
taxiing at an uncontrolled airport, then verify the current status of the
airport’s communication requirements. Some uncontrolled airports require
two way communication where as others allow NORDO traffic.
Monitor ground frequencies in order to help locate other taxiing aircraft.
When manoeuvring onto the active runway, pay special attention to the
landing path to make sure that no other aircraft are landing. Also make sure
that no other aircraft are entering the active runway.
Taxiing may be used for the pre take-off checks, however it is much safer
to save the pre take-off checks for when the aircraft is stopped. This way
the pilot can devote their full attention to taxiing the airplane, monitoring
other taxiing traffic and maintaining a lookout for obstructions.
The wing flap positions have no effect on the Sportstar’s taxiing
characteristics. However if taxiing at a high speed the pilot should take into
account that the lift off speed is lower with flaps fully extended. If taxiing at
a high speed, with full flaps and where there is a bump on the surface e.g.
Grass runway, then the aircraft may be come airborne when it travels over
the bump.
Do not apply main wheel brakes un-intentionally when taxiing (toe brakes).
