What does "Taxiing" refer to in aviation operations?

Taxiing in aviation operations refers to the process of aircraft moving on the ground, either to or from the runway, under the guidance and control of air traffic control. This is a crucial phase of flight, as it involves navigating the airport grounds, aligning with runways, and safely transitioning to the departure or arrival gates.

During taxiing, pilots receive instructions from air traffic controllers to guide them along the various taxiways, ensuring that they do not interfere with other aircraft operations and that they adhere to the airport's layout and traffic flow. This process is essential for maintaining safety and efficiency on the ground, as it allows aircraft to position themselves for takeoff or to return to the gate after landing.

The other options pertain to different phases of flight: flying in a holding pattern refers to the time spent circling in the air waiting for landing clearance; taking off from the runway is the action of leaving the ground to enter flight; and landing on the designated runway is the process of returning the aircraft down to the ground safely. Each of these phases is distinct from taxiing, which is strictly a ground movement maneuver.