How is nose wheel steering typically actuated and controlled?

• A. A hydraulic steering unit controlled from a cockpit tiller or pedals with limited steering angle and automatic centering.
• B. An electric motor directly rotates the nose wheel with full steering range, independent of cockpit controls.
• C. A manual cable arrangement connects to the rudder pedals providing continuous steering angle without centering.
• D. Pneumatic actuators provide steering via wind pressure with no electronic control.

Answer: (A)

Ground nose-wheel steering is typically hydraulic, with a steering unit at the nose gear that is commanded by the pilot through a cockpit tiller or rudder pedals. The system provides a limited steering angle to keep taxi control precise and to protect the nose gear and tires during low-speed taxi. When you release the control, the hydraulic system automatically centers the nose wheel, so the airplane tracks straight ahead for takeoff alignment and easy taxi. This combination—hydraulic actuation, pilot input from the tiller or pedals, a defined steering range, and automatic centering—gives reliable, controllable steering on the ground. Other arrangements, like a motor directly turning the wheel without cockpit input, a purely manual cable system with no centering, or a wind-driven pneumatic setup, wouldn’t provide the same safe, predictable control and centering behavior required for taxiing.