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Old 14th Jan 2003, 21:25
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Tinstaafl
 
Join Date: Dec 1998
Location: Escapee from Ultima Thule
Posts: 4,273
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To follow on from the previous..

I think the question relates to steering on the ground.

Usually the rudder pedals also connect to the nose wheel. Depress the left pedal and the nosewheel moves left etc

Additionally, mounted on the rudder pedals, but able to be depressed independently, are a second set of pedals. These control the brakes.

The brake pedal on the left rudder pedal controls the left mainwheel(s) brakes, right brake pedal the right. This gives the ability to use differential braking eg like a skid steer bulldozer.

The most common mounting is for each brake pedal to be mounted above its respective rudder pedal. Rudder/nosewheel can be used without activating the brakes or, by moving one's foot up a bit, brakes can be used as well.

Larger a/c also use a tiller ie a small steering wheel-like device. This commands a greater range of movement of the nosewheel compared to the rudder pedals and is used at low speeds. At higher speeds the rudder & nosewheel steering is sufficient.

The tiller is usually located to the side of the control column, on or near the cockpit sidewall. Interestingly, some Russian designs incorporate it into the control column as a separate yoke.

Additionally, multi-engine a/c have the option to use differential power to assist with turning or crosswind handling. More applicable to wing mounted designs than centerline/near centerline types.

Single engine types can also benefit from power being applied. The rudder is usually in the slipstream so when power is applied the increased airflow makes the rudder more effective.

There are variations to the above and include:

Having a hand activated brake eg the Victa Airtourer

Not connecting the rudder pedals to the (freely castering) nosewheel & using differential braking only. eg Grumman AA5 series

Using finger steering eg the Piper Aerostar uses a couple of rocker switches that activate nosewheel hydraulic rams.

Heel brakes where the brake pedals are mounted below the rudder pedals and activated with your heels instead of your toes/ball of your foot. Has been used on some british designs, Chimpmunk I think.
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