During MLG towing, when making turns, ______ must be coordinated with movement of the two tow tractors to prevent excessive loads on landing gears.

• A. Tow bar alignment
• B. Throttle control
• C. Brake balance
• D. Nose steering

Answer: (D)

Coordinating nose steering with the two tow tractors is essential when turning because the nose gear controls the aircraft’s direction and path. When two tractors pull the MLG, their turning radii must be matched to the nose gear so the main landing gear follow a single smooth arc. If the nose steering isn’t synchronized with the tractors, the main landing gear can experience lateral scrubbing and excessive side loads, risking damage to the landing gear and the tow assembly. Throttle and brake balance affect speed and stopping, not the steering path, and tow bar alignment is about setup rather than dynamic turning coordination. By aligning nose steering with tractor movement, you prevent those harmful loads and maintain a safe, controlled turn.