air taxi

air taxi

[′er ‚tak·sē]

(aerospace engineering)

A carrier of passengers and cargo engaged in charter flights, feeder air services to large airline facilities, or contract airmail transportation.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

air taxi

i. The movement of a helicopter above the surface of an aerodrome, normally in the ground effect and at a ground speed less than 20 knots (37 km/h). An air-taxiing helicopter flies within 100 ft (30 m) above ground level under the direction of a ground signaler, using standard helicopter taxi procedures. The actual height may vary, and some helicopters may require air taxiing above 25 ft (8 m) AGL (above ground level) to reduce ground effect turbulence or provide clearance for cargo sling load. The pilot is solely responsible for selecting a safe air speed and altitude for the operation. Helicopters with skids have to resort to air taxiing, although helicopters with wheels may also air taxi. Also known as hover taxiing or hover taxi.
ii. The movement of a VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft by a short translational flight at very low altitudes (i.e., below 100 ft).
iii. Aircraft operated by the holder of an Air Taxi Operating Certificate or similar authorization, which authorizes carrying passengers, mail, or cargo for revenue in accordance with the regulations in force. An air taxi operates on an on-demand basis and does not meet the “flight scheduled” qualifications of a commuter.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved