Authority to taxi an aeroplane

When learning to fly you'll need to know the rules and requirements for taxiing an aeroplane. You can find these rules under:

• Part 64 of CASR Authorisations for non-licensed personnel
• Part 61 of CASR Flight crew licensing.

Who can taxi an aeroplane

• You can taxi an aeroplane if you are a:

• student pilot authorised to by a flight instructor
• pilot licence holder with an appropriate aircraft rating
• aircraft owner who meet the requirements
• aircraft maintenance engineer who meet the requirements.

Requirements

To gain authorisation to taxi an aeroplane you must:

• be at least 17 years old
• hold a Part 64 certificate of competency which covers the aeroplane you wish to taxi and issued within the last 5 years
• have trained on the layout and operating procedures of the aerodrome by either:
  • the operator of the aerodrome
  • the operator of the aeroplane
  • another person who has knowledge of the aerodrome
• have permission to taxi the aeroplane from either the:
  • owner or operator
  • operator’s airworthiness management organisation.

Student pilots can only taxi an aeroplane when under the direct supervision of an authorised person.

You need to hold an aeronautical radio operator certificate

(AROC) if you want to taxi an aeroplane at an aerodrome that is:

• controlled
• certified
• military.

Part 64 certificate of competency

You can gain your Part 64 certificate of competency after being assessed for competent for the relevant class or type of aeroplane.

Staying current

You will need to complete a competency check every 5 years. You need to have a current taxi certificate for that aeroplane class or type rating if you want to continue taxiing either a:

• class-rated aeroplane
• type-rated aeroplane.

Our Pilot safety hub also has plenty of resources for operating in controlled aerodromes and operations.