Ground maneuvering – maximum nose-gear steering angle for large jets What is the typical maximum nose-gear steering angle limit provided on large jet aircraft during ground operations?

Introduction / Context:
Nose-gear steering limits are vital for defining the minimum taxiway and apron turning radii and for establishing towing/pushback procedures. Examinations often check knowledge of the order of magnitude of these limits for large transport jets.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Typical large transport-category jet (e.g., single-aisle or twin-aisle).
• Standard hydraulic steering range when under own power.

Concept / Approach:
Large jets commonly provide a maximum commanded steering angle in the range of roughly ±60° (aircraft-specific limits vary, but 60° is a representative, conservative examination value). Larger angles may be available under towbar control but are not the typical operational limit for taxi under own power.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify typical operational steering limit, not towing limit.Adopt approximately 60° as a representative maximum.Select 60° from the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Aircraft maintenance and operations documents for common types list nose-gear steering limits around this value for powered taxi.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 20°/30°: Too restrictive for practical apron/taxi manoeuvres.
• 45°: Common on small aircraft; below typical jet limit.
• 75°: More representative of towing limits for some types, not standard self-taxi steering.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing towbar-induced maximum caster angles with cockpit-commanded hydraulic limits.

Final Answer:
60°