How do I taxi from the gate to the runway in a flight simulator?
Learn how to taxi from the gate to the runway in a flight simulator, with pushback, Ground clearance, steering, safe speeds and hold-short markings.
In a flight simulator, use the real-world aviation sequence: complete the before-taxi checks, request pushback if needed, start the engines, obtain Ground clearance, release the parking brake and follow the cleared taxiways. Use small power and steering inputs, then stop before the runway hold-short line unless cleared to cross it.
Gate-to-runway taxi procedure
The safe sequence is preparation, pushback where required, aircraft configuration, taxi clearance, controlled movement and a full stop at the assigned holding point. Exact checklist order varies by aircraft and airport, particularly when engines are started during pushback.
- Review the route before moving. Identify the departure runway, expected taxiways, runway crossings and holding point on the airport diagram. A flight-plan line does not constitute a taxi clearance.
- Push back from the gate if required. Set the parking brake while the tug connects, then release it only when instructed. Do not use reverse thrust to back away unless the aircraft and operating procedure specifically permit powerback. Our guide to handling the full pushback sequence in Microsoft Flight Simulator covers the simulator controls involved.
- Start and configure the aircraft. Follow its checklist for engine start, flaps, trim, flight controls, anti-ice and lights. After pushback, confirm that the tug is clear and that nosewheel steering has been reconnected before attempting to turn.
- Obtain taxi clearance. At a controlled airport, contact Ground and copy the runway, taxiway route, hold-short instructions and any runway-crossing clearance. Read back the runway assignment and restrictions. Clearance Delivery may issue the flight clearance, but Ground normally controls movement from the apron towards the runway.
- Begin moving carefully. Check both sides, release the parking brake and use only enough power to start rolling. Test the wheel brakes within the first few metres while there is room to stop.
- Track the taxiway centreline. Keep the aircraft centred, slow before each turn and scan for signs, vehicles and other traffic. In an airliner, remember that the pilot’s seat is offset: the yellow line belongs beneath the aircraft’s centre, not directly beneath the pilot.
- Stop at the holding point. Complete the before-take-off checks and contact Tower when instructed. Do not cross the runway boundary until explicitly authorised or, at an uncontrolled aerodrome, until local procedures and traffic conditions permit entry.
Which flight controls should I use while taxiing?
Use the throttle for minimum necessary power, rudder pedals or a tiller for steering, and toe brakes for slowing and stopping. The correct steering control depends on the aircraft.
| Aircraft type | Normal steering method | Common simulator issue |
|---|---|---|
| Light tricycle-gear aircraft | Rudder pedals linked to the nosewheel, with differential braking for tight turns | An inverted or uncalibrated brake axis makes the aircraft pull to one side |
| Transport jet or turboprop | Tiller for larger low-speed turns; rudder pedals for small corrections | Detailed add-ons may require a separate tiller or nosewheel-steering assignment |
| Taildragger | Rudder, differential braking and, where modelled, a steerable or locking tailwheel | Applying power too quickly can start an uncontrolled swing |
Many transport aircraft begin rolling at idle thrust. Avoid holding substantial power against the brakes; reduce thrust first, let the aircraft slow, then brake progressively. Keyboard steering works, but short key taps are far less precise than an analogue axis.
How do I read the taxi clearance and route?
A taxi clearance identifies where to go, which taxiways to use and where movement must stop. For example, Taxi to holding point Runway 27 via Alpha, Bravo; hold short Runway 18 means follow taxiways A and B but stop before Runway 18 unless Ground separately clears the crossing.
Taxiway signs and runway markings
Yellow centreline markings lead along taxiways, black signs with yellow lettering identify your present taxiway, and yellow signs with black lettering and arrows show directions. A red sign with white runway numbers marks a runway boundary.
The normal runway hold-short marking has four yellow lines: two solid and two dashed. Approaching from the taxiway side, stop before the solid lines so that no part of the aircraft crosses them. A clearance to taxi towards a departure runway does not by itself authorise entry onto that runway.
If the route is difficult to see, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 can display a ribbon; we explain how to enable and follow its taxi guidance without missing hold-short points. Treat guidance as an aid, not permission to disregard signs or an ATC restriction.
Controlled and uncontrolled airports
Controlled airports require the appropriate Ground or Tower clearance, while uncontrolled aerodromes use local traffic procedures rather than a movement clearance. In either case, look outside and verify that the route is clear; an automated ATC instruction cannot prevent a simulated runway incursion.
If the radio roles are unfamiliar, our explanation of ATC positions and their use during ground operations clarifies when to contact Clearance Delivery, Ground and Tower.
What taxi speed should I use?
There is no universal taxi-speed limit for every aircraft, but the aircraft must remain slow enough to stop within the visible clear distance and make the next turn without skidding. Use groundspeed rather than indicated airspeed, which may be unreliable at very low speed.
| Situation | Practical simulator target |
|---|---|
| Gate or congested apron | Walking pace, roughly 3–5 knots |
| Clear, straight taxiway | Often 10–20 knots if the aircraft procedure and conditions allow |
| Normal 90-degree turn | About 5–10 knots |
| Tight turn, heavy aircraft or poor surface | Walking pace or slower |
These figures are conservative operating cues, not replacements for an aircraft checklist or airport restriction. Begin slowing before the turn rather than braking heavily while steering.
What do I do at the runway holding point?
Stop with the entire aircraft behind the solid hold-short lines, complete the before-take-off checklist and contact Tower if instructed. Keep scanning for landing and departing traffic even when the simulator reports the runway as clear.
Line up and wait authorises entry and alignment on the runway but not departure. Only a take-off clearance authorises the take-off roll at a controlled airport. A separate instruction to cross another runway authorises that crossing only; continue along the assigned taxi route afterwards.
Common taxi problems and fixes
- The aircraft will not move: check the parking brake, wheel chocks, tug state and brake-axis calibration. A reversed brake axis can apply full braking even though the cockpit pedals appear released.
- The nosewheel will not steer after pushback: wait until the tug is fully disconnected, confirm that steering is restored and check hydraulic power or the simulated steering-bypass pin where the add-on models it.
- The aircraft keeps accelerating: reduce power to idle early. Use measured brake applications rather than taxiing continuously with both thrust and brakes applied.
- The chart and scenery disagree: the simulator scenery or navigation data may represent a different airport layout. Stop before any runway, compare signs with the simulated route and avoid guessing across an unidentified boundary.
- You lose the taxi route: stop somewhere clear of a runway, recheck the airport diagram or enable an available taxi aid. Continuing while uncertain is the mistake that turns a missed junction into a runway incursion.