Which statement about nose wheel steering during high-speed taxi operations is correct?

• A. Nose wheel steering should not be used due to increased sensitivity.
• B. Nose wheel steering should be used for better control.
• C. Nose wheel steering should not be used due to decreased responsiveness.
• D. Nose wheel steering should be used to reduce wear on the brakes.

Answer: (A)

During high-speed taxi, nose wheel steering is kept out of use because the nose gear is very sensitive to input. A small movement of the steering control can cause a large change in the aircraft’s direction, which can lead to abrupt steering, tire scrub, or structural stress on the nose gear. To maintain stable directional control, pilots rely on rudder input and keep the nose gear straight, using NWS only at lower speeds where control is more forgiving.

This is why the statement that it should not be used due to increased sensitivity is the best choice. Using nose wheel steering for better control isn’t safe at higher speeds, the issue isn’t decreased responsiveness, and it doesn’t serve to reduce brake wear.