F
LIGHT
T
EST
R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
:
7
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
8-3 TAXI TESTING
8-3.1 L
OW
-S
PEED
T
AXI
After the static engine tests are complete and any defects have been
remedied, low-speed taxi testing can begin. First, adjust your seating
position in the cockpit. Position the seat back and adjust the seat
cushion thickness so that you are comfortable, can move all the
controls to their stops without interference and have maximum
visibility. All but the shortest pilots will be able to see over the nose in
the Sportsman, making it unnecessary to S-turn during taxi.
Take the time to become familiar enough with instrument and control
locations so that you do not have to spend time hunting for them.
Check the operation of all your flight and engine controls. Everything
should work smoothly with no binding or interference.
Make sure that all air has been bled from the brakes, using the
procedures described in Section 7-9.4.2, and they are working
properly before starting the engine. Low-speed taxiing may be done
with the doors cracked open for cooling on hot days. The pilot should
use the lap belt and shoulder harness any time the airplane is moving.
The purpose of low-speed taxi testing is to give the pilot a feel for the
tailwheel steering and to reveal any defects in the landing gear before
flight. The initial taxi testing should be done at no more than the speed
of a fast walk to become familiar with the ground handling
characteristics of the airplane and the space needed to maneuver. Hold
the stick back when taxiing to enhance tailwheel steering. Also
practice locking the brake on one side and adding power to pivot the