How is the nosewheel steering angle limit affected by wheel speed?

• A. As wheel speed increases the steering angle limit decreases
• B. As wheel speed increases the steering angle limit increases
• C. The angle limit remains constant
• D. The angle limit becomes zero at high speed

Answer: (A)

Nosewheel steering is designed to be speed-sensitive. The steering system uses a limiter that ties how far the nosewheel can deflect to how fast the wheels are turning. At low speeds you need a larger steering angle to pivot the aircraft on the ground, so you can turn more. As wheel speed increases, the limiter reduces the maximum deflection to keep the aircraft stable on the ground, reduce tire scrubbing, and minimize lateral loads on the landing gear. So the steering angle limit decreases with higher wheel speed. In some systems, this reduction can be so great that steering becomes nearly straight ahead at very high ground speeds.