Definition
The phase of ground operations covering aircraft movement from its parking position on the ramp, through taxiways, to the runway for takeoff -- and the reverse after landing. It includes engine start, ground handling around other aircraft and ground vehicles, taxi route compliance, and following any instructions issued by ground control or ramp personnel.
Plain English
Everything you do on the ground between leaving your parking spot and reaching the runway -- and the same in reverse after you land. It covers moving the airplane safely past other aircraft, vehicles, and people, and following the right path to where you're going.
Context Anchor
Used during ground operations, from preflight and engine start through taxi-out, and again after landing during taxi-in and parking.
Derivation
Ramp originally referred to the sloped surface where seaplanes were pulled out of the water; the term carried over to the paved aircraft parking area at airports. Taxi comes from early aviation slang -- pilots said an airplane moving slowly on the ground was like a taxicab cruising the streets, and the name stuck.
Why Pilots Care
Correct ramp and taxi procedures prevent runway incursions, ground collisions, and violations that can lead to accidents or certificate action.
Intuition Check
Ramp does not mean an inclined surface here; it means the aircraft parking and loading area. Taxi does not mean hiring a car; it means moving the airplane on the ground under control.
Example Sentence 1
Before requesting taxi clearance, the pilot reviewed the airport diagram so ramp and taxi operations would go smoothly at the unfamiliar field.
Example Sentence 2
At a busy airport the student maintained careful ramp and taxi operations by listening to ATC and watching for other aircraft.