What is the purpose of taxiing for an aircraft?

Taxiing refers to the movement of an aircraft on the ground under its own power, typically in preparation for takeoff or after landing. During taxiing, the aircraft proceeds along designated paths (taxiways) from the terminal to the runway or from the runway to the gate. This process is essential for several operational reasons, such as ensuring that the aircraft is positioned correctly for departure or is safely returned to a designated area after landing.

The correct answer highlights this core aspect of taxiing, emphasizing the aircraft’s ability to move independently on the ground. While preparing for boarding, fueling, and conducting safety checks are important pre-flight and post-flight procedures, they do not directly pertain to the specific function of taxiing. Taxiing is, therefore, a critical operational phase that helps to maintain an efficient flow within airport ground operations.