Which statement explains how the nose wheel is kept straight ahead prior to landing when the strut is extended?

Which statement explains how the nose wheel is kept straight ahead prior to landing when the strut is extended?

• A. The nose wheel is automatically centered by the pilot's steering wheel.
• B. The prop governor.
• C. The mating cams align the wheel and axle in the straight-ahead position.
• D. Gravity holds it straight.

Answer: (C)

The nose wheel is kept straight ahead by a centering mechanism built into the nose gear steering, specifically a set of mating (centering) cams. As the strut extends and the gear locks down, these cams engage and push the wheel and axle to the straight-ahead position. This automatic centering ensures the wheel starts from neutral for the landing and helps prevent shimmy when the airplane is on the ground. Gravity doesn’t determine the wheel’s alignment, and the prop governor isn’t involved in steering alignment. While the pilot can steer on the ground, the initial straight-ahead positioning when the gear is extended is accomplished by the cammed centering mechanism.

The nose wheel is kept straight ahead by a centering mechanism built into the nose gear steering, specifically a set of mating (centering) cams. As the strut extends and the gear locks down, these cams engage and push the wheel and axle to the straight-ahead position. This automatic centering ensures the wheel starts from neutral for the landing and helps prevent shimmy when the airplane is on the ground.

Gravity doesn’t determine the wheel’s alignment, and the prop governor isn’t involved in steering alignment. While the pilot can steer on the ground, the initial straight-ahead positioning when the gear is extended is accomplished by the cammed centering mechanism.