Aligning the Nosewheel

[iak001]

Could someone please tell me how jet pilots manage to keep the aircraft on the center line once the nosewheel is aligned on the runway prior to takeoff....? Is there some sort of steering lock....

Thanks for taking the time to reply..

[Thunderbug]

You steer with your feet. (Honest , Guv)

When you taxi out, you generally use the tiller (handle) that allows the nosegear to steer you round the corners. After you line up, you just use the pedals. These too are attached to the nose gear steering, but provide only a small amount of steering (+/- 7 degrees on 747-400). As you accelerate for take off, the airspeed rises and the rudder (also attached to the pedals) takes over for your directional control.

Becomes second nature after a wee bit of practise!

T'Bug

[iak001]

Thanks for the reply. With equal thrust coming from 2 engines on the runway, in practice, does this mean that you don't have to use a great deal of rudder? As a pilot, how would you compare the experience to say flying a PA28 where the use of right rudder is crucial on take off.....

[Pilot Pete]

The reason you need right rudder on your PA28 is due to the propellor (the only one!) spinning on the nose and the forces that are generated by it causing yaw. With a twin jet you don't get this so all you have to do is steer to counter any crosswind (which tries to 'weathervane' you)

PP