Regan Brown
Fuel taxation plays a crucial role in influencing consumer behaviour and promoting the use of more efficient vehicles and alternative fuels. While taxing fuel can help reduce fuel consumption, it is worth exploring other methods that can contribute to the same goal. One such method is taxiing on a single engine, which has been observed to reduce fuel usage. This is especially relevant for aircraft, where taxing on a single engine can save a significant amount of fuel, depending on the circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel saved by taxiing on one engine | 10-40 lbs of fuel |
| Fuel saved by taxiing on one engine (according to a TS pilot) | 200 lbs of fuel |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
A pilot's perspective on taxiing with one engine
As a pilot, one of the key considerations when taxiing is fuel efficiency. Taxiing with one engine can save fuel, but it depends on several factors.
Firstly, it depends on the aircraft type. I've noticed that some aircraft, like the ATR42/72, frequently taxi on one engine, while others, like the MD80, rarely do. This could be due to differences in engine design or operational procedures.
Secondly, taxiing with one engine is most effective when there is a long line for takeoff, as engines are idling during this time anyway. If there is a long wait, a significant amount of fuel can be saved. However, if there is an issue with the active engine and you need to taxi back, it could be problematic.
Additionally, the weather conditions play a role. Taxiing with one engine can be more challenging in rainy or snowy conditions, especially during turns. In such cases, having both engines running can provide more control and maneuverability.
From my experience, the fuel savings can vary. Some pilots estimate a saving of around 10-40 pounds of fuel, which may not seem significant. However, others suggest it could be as high as 200 pounds of fuel per flight. When multiplied by the number of flights per day and the number of aircraft in a fleet, the total fuel savings can be substantial.
While taxiing with one engine can reduce fuel consumption, there are operational and logistical considerations. For example, the lack of air conditioning during the single-engine taxi can be uncomfortable for passengers and crew. Additionally, the time required for engine warm-up and cool-down procedures needs to be factored in.
Overall, as a pilot, I support the practice of taxiing with one engine when feasible. It not only saves fuel but also reduces emissions and operational costs. However, it needs to be balanced with the practical considerations of each flight, ensuring the comfort and safety of passengers and crew.
Fuel Induction Service: Understanding the Cost of the Procedure
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Taxiing with one engine can save up to 200lb of fuel
Taxiing with one engine instead of two can save up to 200lb of fuel, according to one pilot. However, another source suggests that the fuel saving is more likely to be between 10-40lb of fuel. This is because, with one engine, you're burning 800-900pph at idle, which increases to 900-1000pph with the occasional burst of thrust. This is only 100lb less than the burn for both engines.
There are times when taxiing on one engine is not possible or sensible. For example, during rainy or snowy weather, taxiing with one engine is more difficult, especially during turns. Taxiing on one engine is also not possible when there are contaminated or slippery taxiways, high gross weight, tight ramps, complex taxi clearances, or bad weather. It also may not be possible to meet operational limitations for warm-up and cool-down with just one engine.
Some airlines choose to taxi on one engine to save fuel, such as WN, which "does it all the time". A KLM 737 pilot also shut down the number 2 engine just after vacating the runway. However, another source suggests that they normally taxi with both engines, but if work was being performed on one engine, they would only start the opposite engine and do a single-engine taxi.
Taxiing with one engine can also cause discomfort for passengers. For example, on the MD80, the air conditioning is reduced during the single-engine taxi, making passengers sweaty. Then, when the second engine is fired up, the AC comes on too strong, making passengers cold.
New Jersey's Spending on Fossil Fuels: A Costly Affair
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The impact of weather conditions on single-engine taxiing
Single-engine taxiing can save airlines fuel and money, and it is also more environmentally friendly. However, it is not always feasible or safe to taxi using a single engine. Weather conditions, such as snow, ice, slush, or standing water, can make single-engine taxiing unsafe, as it is more challenging to manoeuvre the plane with only one engine. For example, a pilot might struggle to make a tight turn with only one engine during rainy or snowy weather. In these cases, pilots must use both engines to maintain control of the aircraft.
Additionally, single-engine taxiing is not suitable when the plane is heavily loaded or when there are complex taxi clearances. The pilot must assess whether one engine will provide enough thrust to move the plane safely. If the plane is too heavy, it may require the thrust of two engines to break away from a standstill.
Furthermore, tight alleyways and ramps usually require a tighter turn radius, which is easier to navigate with two engines. With both engines running, the pilot can use additional power on the outside engine during the turn, making it easier to manoeuvre.
Single-engine taxiing is most useful when there are ground delays or a long taxi out time. For example, at busy airports with rush-hour taxi outs, pilots can use a single engine for the first 20 minutes and then start the second engine when they are closer to departure. This allows for a proper warm-up time for the second engine.
Overall, while single-engine taxiing can save fuel and reduce emissions, it is not always possible due to weather conditions, aircraft weight, or manoeuvrability constraints. Pilots must carefully consider these factors before deciding whether to taxi on one or two engines.
Destroyer Fuel Capacity: How Much Do They Carry?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fuel-saving alternatives to running all engines while taxiing
Single-engine taxiing involves shutting down one of the two engines during taxi on a twin-engine aircraft. For three-engine aircraft, one engine may be shut down, and for four-engine aircraft, one or two engines may be shut down. Single-engine taxiing can save fuel, especially during long taxi times, but it requires greater anticipation and dedicated training for flight crews. It may also be challenging during rainy or snowy days, particularly when turning.
Another alternative is the use of external tow trucks, such as the TaxiBot ETS, which enable aircraft to taxi without using jet engines. This option does not add extra weight to the aircraft and does not require any modifications. However, it can reduce the autonomy of the aircraft and increase congestion between gates and runways due to the increased number of tow trucks required.
Electric taxiing solutions, such as the use of an external fuel cell hybrid power unit, have also been proposed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during taxiing. These solutions are environmentally beneficial but may not be completely carbon-free. Additionally, they can add extra weight to the aircraft, leading to increased fuel consumption during flight.
Other fuel-saving measures include towing the aircraft into position at the beginning of the runway, as done by Qantas 744 for the longest commercial non-stop flight, and the use of applications such as SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach to promote fuel-efficient practices.
The Weight of Fuel: Gallons and Pounds
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The challenges of single-engine taxiing for passengers
Single-engine taxiing is a procedure that can save fuel and reduce emissions, but it also comes with some challenges for passengers. While it is more efficient and environmentally friendly, there are times when single-engine taxiing may not be the best option.
One challenge for passengers is the potential impact on comfort. As noted by a passenger, single-engine taxiing can result in inadequate air conditioning, leading to a sweaty and uncomfortable cabin. This issue was observed on an MD80, where the single engine taxi was followed by a strong burst of air conditioning once the second engine was engaged, causing a sudden temperature change for the passengers.
Another challenge is the potential for delays during the taxi process. Single-engine taxiing may be slower, especially when the plane is heavily loaded or on rainy or snowy days, as it requires more thrust to move a heavy aircraft with one engine. This can result in longer taxi times and potentially impact the overall schedule.
Additionally, single-engine taxiing may not always be feasible depending on the airport layout and taxiway conditions. For example, tight alleyways, ramps, and complex taxi clearances may require the use of multiple engines to navigate effectively. In some cases, single-engine taxiing may increase the risk of incidents, such as knocking over cargo bins or damaging nearby vehicles due to the increased thrust needed.
Furthermore, the feasibility of single-engine taxiing depends on the aircraft's weight and type. Pilots need to assess whether one engine can provide sufficient thrust to move the plane safely. Heavily loaded planes, such as widebody or narrowbody jets, may require the thrust of multiple engines to break away from a standstill. Additionally, certain aircraft types, such as the 767, may not be suitable for single-engine taxiing due to the high thrust requirements.
While single-engine taxiing can save fuel and reduce emissions, it is not always the most practical option. Passengers may experience discomfort, delays, and potential schedule disruptions. Therefore, pilots must carefully consider the operational feasibility and prioritize the safety and comfort of the passengers.
Fossil Fuels: Major Climate Change Culprit?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Taxiing on one engine can save up to 200 lbs of fuel. However, this depends on factors such as weather conditions and taxiway state.
Taxiing on one engine can be challenging during rainy or snowy days, especially during turns. Additionally, there are times when taxiing on all engines is necessary, such as in cases of high gross weight, tight ramps, or complex taxi clearances.
Taxiing on one engine can affect the aircraft's air conditioning system, leading to uncomfortable temperatures for passengers.
Taxiing on one engine can save fuel when there is a long line for takeoff as the engines would be idling anyway.
Yes, there are potential issues with taxiing on one engine. For example, if there is an issue with starting the second engine after a long taxi, the aircraft would have to taxi back, causing delays.
