Airman Certification Standards
ACS AA.II.D
Taxiing and Sailing (ASES, AMES)
Knowledge
Current airport/seaplane base aeronautical references and information resources, including Chart Supplements, airport diagram, and appropriate references.
Taxi instructions/clearances, if applicable.
Airport/seaplane base markings, signs, and lights.
Appropriate aircraft lighting for day and night operations.
Sailing elements and techniques and when sailing should be used.
Considerations for determining the most favorable sailing course.
Airport/seaplane base procedures, including:
a. Appropriate flight deck activities prior to taxi or sailing, including route planning, and coordinating with crew, if applicable
b. Communications at towered and nontowered seaplane bases
c. Entering or crossing runways (land operation)
d. Night taxi and sailing operations
e. Low visibility taxi and sailing operations
Risk Management
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. 16
Porpoising and skipping.
Partial completion of checklist(s).
Low visibility taxi and sailing operations.
Other aircraft, vessels, and hazards.
Gear position in an amphibious airplane.
Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
Skill
Receive/record taxi instructions, read back/acknowledge taxi clearances, and review taxi routes on the airport diagram.
Use an appropriate chart during taxi, if published.
Comply with ATC clearances, as appropriate, and seaplane base/airport/taxiway markings, signals and signs.
Depart the dock/mooring buoy or beach/ramp in a safe manner, considering wind, current, traffic, and hazards.
Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to and during taxi or sailing, as appropriate.
Maintain situational awareness.
Maintain 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.
Position 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.
Use the appropriate idle, plow, or step taxi technique.
Exhibit procedures for steering and maneuvering while maintaining proper situational awareness and desired orientation, path, and position.
Plan and follow the most favorable taxi or sailing course for current conditions.
Demonstrate taxi or sailing during day and night operations. If either condition is not available, the applicant explains the differences between day and night taxi or sailing.
Demonstrate proper use of aircraft exterior lighting for day and night operations. If either condition is not available, the applicant explains the differences between exterior aircraft lighting used for day and night operations.
Explain the hazards of low visibility taxi and sailing operations.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.