General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

When does the main gear steering automatically operate?

1. When aircraft velocity exceeds 200 knots

2. When the nose wheel angle exceeds 13º

3. At landing approach only

4. When the autopilot is disengaged

The correct answer is: When the nose wheel angle exceeds 13º

The main gear steering operates automatically when the nose wheel angle exceeds 13º. This functionality is crucial for aircraft maneuverability, particularly during taxiing and takeoff, as it allows for improved steering control when the aircraft is at lower speeds. By engaging the main gear steering at this specific nose wheel angle, the design facilitates more efficient handling of the aircraft while on the ground, preventing excessive tire wear and enhancing safety by allowing pilots to make tighter turns and navigate around obstacles more effectively. In contrast, other scenarios presented, such as an aircraft velocity exceeding 200 knots, pertain more to flight dynamics during high-speed operations where such ground control mechanisms would not be as critical. Automatic operation at landing approach is not limited to this specific function because other systems are engaged for different phases of flight. Finally, while the autopilot disengagement could affect the overall control of the aircraft, it does not directly correlate with the automatic operation of main gear steering in the same definitive manner.