what is the difference between ground taxi and hover taxi to the MGB let's say?
do maintenance care if the MGB was used on the ground or in the air?
also I think you spend much more time on the ground than in the air covering the same distance
Not taking into account calendar inspections, the hours between checks /overhaul is counted from when the wheels leave the ground - so hover taxiing will set the clock ticking on all components - because you are airborne.
The flip side to this though, I have seen several wheel brake fires that have caused more damage than just wheels and brakes needing replaced !!
Taxiing with wheels firmly on the ground is a lot safer for all those around you and also keeps the 'hours' down on your components but if you have a long taxi ahead of you (have you ever had to land at Schiphol ??- you can be trundling around for miles !!) it is sometimes best to hover taxi.
Would you want to retract your gear after a long taxi, not knowing how hot your brakes are ???
maz