Single engine taxi
 

I was having lunch at the Downwind at PDK and couldn't help but notice that all the corporate jets and props have both engines cranked while taxiing. I understand that it's a short taxi but do you guys ever single engine taxi?

I don't unless delays >30 mins are expected. I often see old turbojets like the LR24/25's with only one started since they're burning a lot of gas sitting on the ground.

When I was on the 650 we'd sometimes taxi with one engine and the APU running, especially if long delays were expected.

Most of our taxies were so short that it was easier just to start both since you'd be airborne soon anyway.

Yes back when flying a Lear 25....but no now. Modern corp jets just dont burn any fuel on the ground and its fairly rare to wait more than 5 mins to depart (at least for us)

An issue would also be all the self-tests/checks that happen prior to leaving the ramp, and on our plane these require all engines running. Single engine taxi is just not practical, many of these planes are not designed for it.

We will, however, just pull over and shut them all down and leave APU on if notified of a substantial delay...weather etc...that may happen after we taxi (again, rare)

Turbo props cant taxi on one engine because of the substantial Asymetrical thrust with the engines being so far of center line....we would just go in circles.....

You can if you have a tiller. PDT has to taxi on one engine as a SOP, conditions permitting.

Huh??? Which ones can't?

Wrong. Or should I say 'incorrect'.

It is quite odd to see the Piedmont planes running around with one engine shutdown...it just looks a lot funnier on a turboprop than a jet.

Sadly we can only feather one when pulling into the gate.

If you need to taxi on one to save fuel, get a better ranged plane. Most airports used by corporates have less than 5 minute taxi times anyway. I have at Mumbai and Delhi where waits can stretch to an hour.

GF