I know this seems like a simple question.....but I've never really known how they do it.
Is there a small side-wheel that they use in the cockpit?
Do they steer with the rudder pedals?
Thanks.......
2007-06-12 08:27:56 · 12 answers · asked by primoa1970 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Most smaller aircraft use the rudder pedals to steer while on the ground. Rudder pedals also incorporate the brakes on most small aircraft either by heel or more commonly toe brakes. The aircraft can also be steered by using what's called differential braking; holding the brakes on one side will cause the aircraft to turn about the axis of that gear (more or less). Some aircraft such as Liberty, use hand brakes mounted on the console.
Larger aircraft have in the past used what's called a tiller which is basically a small steering wheel mounted next to the captain's seat which steers the nose wheel. Some are getting away from this now also using the rudder pedals.
2007-06-12 08:35:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 36⤊ 4⤋
Small planes: The rudder pedals are usually linked to the nose wheel. Push one of the pedals, the nose wheel turns in that direction. Thus, a pilot steers with his/her feet. On some planes (e.g. Cirrus SR20/22), the nose wheel isn't linked to the rudder pedals. On those planes, the pilot uses differential braking and the rudder to turn. Large jets: The rudder pedals are also linked to the nose wheel but they only provide enough steering capability to keep the plane going in a straight line or make very shallow turns. On takeoff or landing, the pilot will only use his/her feet to keep the plane going down the runway. A tiller is what really makes the plane turn on the ground. It's a small steering wheel located on the Captain's left side, but sometimes on the First Officer's right side as well. Turn the wheel --> nose wheel turns. Differential power/braking can also be used but it's usually not needed. In short, the actual rudder itself usually doesn't come into play when turning the plane on the ground.
2016-04-01 03:56:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the type of aircraft. Pilots flying smaller propeller-driven planes and most business jets use the rudder pedals to steer. The tips of the rudder pedals are pressed forward to apply braking pressure.
On most airliners, there is a small wheel, called a tiller, that the pilot turns to steer the aircraft while taxiing.
2007-06-12 10:08:59 · answer #3 · answered by tomvee61 1 · 11⤊ 2⤋
One unique way of steering on the ground is in the Ted Smith/Piper Aerostar in which there is a tiller switch. It's the oddest thing I've ever used, but it is basically just a rocker switch that you push to the left or right to steer. As far as I know, it's all done electronically and it definitely takes some practice. :)
(For what it's worth, I like the Piper way: direct rudder steering plus differential breaking.)
2007-06-12 11:38:07 · answer #4 · answered by newfaldon 4 · 5⤊ 4⤋
Small aircraft use the rudder pedal which are connected to the nose or tail wheel. Some small aircraft have a free castoring nosewheel and it is turned by aerodynamic forces on the rudder and by differential braking (using one brake on either main gear).
Larger aircraft use what is called a tiller. It is a small steering wheel usually to the left of the captain which works just like a car steering wheel. On large jets the rudder pedals can steer the nose wheel a limited amount and the tiller is only used for low speed turning.
2007-06-12 08:37:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 11⤊ 7⤋
You steer by the brakes on the aircraft. you use the brakes from a 172 sky hawk to a Boeing 747-400. You brake by hitting the foot pedals down to the side you want to turn. The pedal go left and right. The foot pedal also is used for the rudder when pushed in you steer the rudder which is used to help steer the plane with help from the ailerons to bank the wings. If the wind is right you can just use the ailerons.
2007-06-12 11:16:05 · answer #6 · answered by Steve 1 · 6⤊ 9⤋
Many larger airplanes are taxied around with a small steering whell... aka... the tiller... but the smaller airplanes are steered with the rudder pedals or the brakes... using the brakes to steer is really hard on the however...
2007-06-12 08:46:03 · answer #7 · answered by ALOPILOT 5 · 12⤊ 5⤋
Rudder, by breaking one wheel to turn the aircraft. Also some larger planes have a steering crank..i think i've seen that on a 747
2007-06-12 08:31:52 · answer #8 · answered by realbigtaco 2 · 9⤊ 12⤋
If you mean taxiing out to the runway, they use either the main steering wheel or the rudder pedals to steer the front tire.
2007-06-12 14:02:54 · answer #9 · answered by Jeff Transformers Lover 1 · 1⤊ 21⤋
they steer with the steering wheel. all the rest is used while in flight
2007-06-12 08:36:42 · answer #10 · answered by wellaem 6 · 3⤊ 36⤋