An on board secondary propulsion system for an aircraft provides the capability of taxiing the aircraft on the ground without using the main aircraft engine(s). The power system includes a small taxi engine mounted on or in the aircraft at a location suitable to provide a thrust sufficient only to taxi the aircraft. Such a suitable system may be provided as original equipment to an aircraft or retrofitted to existing aircraft. The on board secondary propulsion system, in addition to the taxiing function, can provide electrical power, an environmental control unit, power for the aircraft hydraulic system and an emergency power unit as desired. The system can also be used to supplement the main aircraft engines as necessary during takeoff and climb to further reduce fuel consumption, noise, engine emissions, maintenance costs and extend the life of the main aircraft engines, reduce the required takeoff distance of an aircraft when used in conjunction with the main engines and provide emergency glide support.