What is typical about the nose wheel steering angle?

• A. It is limited.
• B. It is unlimited.
• C. It is adjustable by pilot mid-flight.
• D. It is only active on the ground.

Answer: (A)

Nose wheel steering is designed with finite stops, so the wheel can only deflect to a limited angle. This intentional limit prevents excessive tire scrub and steering loads at taxi speeds, protects the steering linkage and gear from damage, and helps maintain stable control on the ground. In practice, pilots use a tiller or pedals to steer on the ground, and as speed rises or during flight, steering input is reduced or centered so the rudder and aerodynamics handle yaw rather than extreme wheel angles. So, the typical characteristic is that the nose wheel steering angle is limited.