FAA Accepts Certification Plan For Zero-Engine Taxi System The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has accepted the plan put forward by Green Taxi Aerospace -a company that is developing a zero-engine taxi system-. Based in Texas, the start-up is partnering with StandardAero as certification partner. The system could prove to be very useful in the future and could open a window into what future ground operations might look like.
Green Taxi Aerospace's new system is based on utilizing electric motors that are installed in an aircraft’s landing gear. It would be able to allow maneuvering of the aircraft during ground operations without powering on its main engines. It will be like if the plane has its own tug. The idea is that the motors will take power from the auxiliary power unit (APU) basically permitting the aircraft to perform maneuvers like push backs and taxiing simply with electric power.
Green Taxi is targeting regional jets such as the Embraer E175, for which the company expects to obtain STC approval next year. This technology essentially could save airlines money as well. There would be a reduction in fuel use which leads to reduced emissions as well as certain ground-operation-related fees. Green Taxi Aerospace is suggesting airlines could save up to $300,000 per aircraft per year.
Essentially with the FAA's blessing, certification work can now go forward. Remember Green Taxi is working with StandardAero so this will allow them to be under StandardAero’s organization designation authorization (ODA). This will permit the MRO specialist to carry out and conduct delegated certification activities on the FAA’s behalf as the Zero Engine Taxi program progresses toward its first supplemental type certificate (STC). For more information: Green Taxi Aerospace 17766 Preston Road, Suite 207 Plano, TX 75252 www.greentaxiaerospace.com ***
