to answer a couple of points above
emerald would always rather have a potentially broken aircraft at lpl or blk due to manning and logistics outstations at best are just for fluid replenishment and checking tyre pressures they also have no hangarage at any of there outstations.
the "locking pin"
isnt really a locking pin it is the centre bolt of the nose gear toggle link with this pin removed the nosewheels are free to castor as they are disconnected from the nose wheel steering.
it is possible to control a budgie on the ground with this link out using differential power settings and differential braking but its a PITA much easier with the tiller :-)