Definition
A checklist phase used after engine start and before the airplane begins moving on the ground, covering items such as flight controls, instruments, radios, transponder, and clearances that must be verified while the airplane is still stationary.
Plain English
The set of checks a pilot completes after the engine is running but before the airplane starts rolling. It is the last chance to confirm everything is set correctly while still parked.
Context Anchor
Seen as a checklist heading after engine start and before the pilot releases the brakes to move the airplane on the ground.
Derivation
Taxi in aviation comes from the idea of a vehicle moving on the ground, like a taxicab. In flying, taxiing means moving the airplane on the airport surface under its own power, so before taxiing means before that ground movement begins.
Why Pilots Care
Completing these items prevents configuration errors or system problems from occurring once the aircraft begins moving on the surface.
Intuition Check
Do not read Before taxiing as simply “before takeoff.” It specifically means before the airplane starts moving on the ground under its own power.
Example Sentence 1
After starting the engine, the pilot completed the Before Taxiing checklist, confirming flight controls were free and correct and the flight instruments were set.
Example Sentence 2
After engine start the crew moved to the Before Taxiing checklist before requesting taxi clearance from ground control.