CH-53 Nose Gear Assistance
I have been surprised that old time 53A pilots have not contributed to this string, as the centering mechanism on the early production and test ships was occasionally " reluctant".
During that time at the factory in Stratford, we had a crewchief, John Godwin and his trusty 6 ft length of 2X4 at the ready. The scene looked pretty much as depicted in the 53E video. While John would apply his considerable strength to prying the nose gear around into an aligned position ( at which point the hydraulics takes over ), either another crewman on a long ICS cord or a truck with a radio would coordinate the affair. All the pilot has to do is touch the mains on the ground and hold position. The 53 hovers nose up so there is plenty of room to work the 2X4.
I am certain this manuever was accomplished a 'few" times by USMC crews!
Thanks
John Dixson