Definition
The three sequential ground operations a pilot performs to prepare an airplane for flight after preflight inspection: starting the engine, taxiing the airplane on the ground from the parking area to the runway, and conducting the run-up — a stationary check of the engine and systems at higher power to confirm they are functioning correctly before takeoff.
Plain English
The set of ground tasks done before takeoff: getting the engine running, driving the airplane along the ground to the runway, and then stopping short of the runway to test the engine and instruments to make sure everything is working properly.
Context Anchor
Encountered after the preflight inspection and before takeoff, usually while using the checklist, communicating with ground control if required, and positioning the airplane for departure.
Derivation
“Starting” comes from the idea of setting something into motion. “Taxiing” comes from the word “taxi,” a vehicle that carries people from place to place; in aviation, it means moving the airplane on the ground. “Run-up” means running the engine at a higher power setting while stopped or nearly stopped so its operation can be checked before flight.
Why Pilots Care
Correct performance confirms the engine and systems are ready for flight and reduces the chance of mechanical problems or ground incidents shortly after departure.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply “getting the airplane going.” In this FAA context, it means a specific sequence of ground procedures: start the engine, move safely on the airport surface, and verify the airplane is ready before takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
Chapter 11 of the Airplane Flying Handbook walks pilots through starting, taxiing, and run-up procedures for typical single-engine airplanes.
Example Sentence 2
During the lesson the instructor watched the Starting, Taxiing, and Run-up closely to catch any missed checklist items.