Summary Pilots usually keep taxi speed below 30 knots for safety reasons, especially during takeoff and in bad weather conditions. High taxi speeds can increase brake temperatures, potentially causing delays for the next flight in hot weather. Contaminated surfaces or low visibility usually limit taxi speeds to 10 knots or less, with different rules for engine use in icy conditions.
It's hard to tell how fast a plane moves on the ground without access to a window seat. On a smooth taxiway, movement while taxiing might only be perceptible during turns, while slowing down, or accelerating. With this in mind, here's a guide to how fast planes usually taxi.
The speed limit You've probably never seen speed limit signs posted at airports (although speed limit signs on taxiways would be rather humorous). It's up to the pilots to know how fast they can taxi given their company's procedures and the weather conditions. Generally speaking, the fastest that any airline permits its pilots to taxi is 30 knots (35.
5 mph or 55.5 kph). This speed is only allowable on straight-line taxiways that are wide-open and clear of other planes.
Slowing from 30 knots can be done relatively quickly with full brake application, but it's rather jolting. Why airliners record countless data points on every flight. Although taxiing at faster speeds might be allowed, pilots usually keep their ground speed a little below the maximum.
Especially during taxi out for takeoff, flight attendants are moving around th.