Which feature on the nose-wheel tire deflects water or slush away from engine intakes?

• A. Gussets
• B. Flanges
• C. Ribs
• D. Chines

Answer: (D)

Chines are features on the nose-wheel tire that act as water deflectors. They are raised ridges along the tire sidewall that catch and channel water and slush away from the engine intakes as the wheel turns. By directing spray outward, they help prevent water from entering the engines, which is important during taxiing, takeoff, and landing on wet or slushy surfaces.

Gussets are reinforcement pieces in the tire/wheel assembly, adding strength to joints. Flanges are the bead seats or rims that hold the tire on the wheel. Ribs refer to tread or sidewall reinforcements that provide stiffness. None of these are designed to deflect water away from engine intakes like chines are.