FAA Accepts ‘Zero Engine Taxi’ Certification Plan

The FAA has approved Green Taxi Aerospace’s certification plans for its “Zero Engine Taxi” system for airliners. In a March 3 announcement, the Plano, Texas-based start-up said the FAA had reviewed and accepted the compliance checklist summary and conformity plan drafted and submitted by StandardAero, Green Taxi’s certification partner.

Green Taxi’s system uses electric motors installed in an aircraft’s landing gear to maneuver the aircraft during ground operations without powering on its main engines. The motors draw power from the auxiliary power unit, allowing aircraft to push back and taxi using purely electric power.

According to Green Taxi, the FAA’s concurrence will allow certification work to proceed under StandardAero’s organization designation authorization (ODA), enabling the Scottsdale, Arizona-based MRO specialist to conduct delegated certification activities on the FAA’s behalf as the Zero Engine Taxi program progresses toward its first supplemental type certificate (STC). 

The company says the system could reduce fuel burn, emissions, and engine wear while removing the need for pushback tugs. Green Taxi estimates airlines could save as much as $300,000 annually per aircraft through reduced fuel consumption and maintenance.

For its first retrofits, Green Taxi is targeting regional jets such as the Embraer E175, for which the company expects to obtain STC approval next year. In late 2025, Green Taxi partnered with Delta Air Lines to begin exploring operational deployment of the technology.