What is the main purpose of coordinating nose steering during turns?

• A. To speed up towing
• B. To improve visibility
• C. To reduce tire wear
• D. To prevent excessive loads on landing gears

Answer: (D)

Coordinating nose steering during turns ensures the tow tractor and the aircraft wheels move in harmony, so the aircraft follows a smooth, predictable path through the turn. This alignment is essential because it keeps the load distribution on the landing gear within design limits as direction changes, preventing large lateral forces from being imposed on the main gear. When steering angles and turn radii are matched, the main landing gear and tires don’t have to scrub or fight against each other, which reduces the risk of tire wear and gear damage. In heavy towing operations like this, the primary aim is to protect the landing gear from excessive loads during turns, maintaining stability and reducing the chance of structural or tire issues. While proper nose steering can also influence comfort and control, those considerations are secondary to safeguarding the gear.