NOSE WHEEL STEERING

The nose wheel steering is electrically controlled by the Brake and Steering Control Unit (BSCU) and hydraulically operated by the green hydraulic system. The BSCU receives inputs from the rudder pedals and the Captain’s or First Officer’s steering hand wheels.

• The rudder pedals deflect the nosewheel a maximum of 6 ° until 40 knots, and then progressively reducing to 0° at 130 knots. 

• The hand-wheels deflect the nosewheel a maximum of 75° until 20 knots, and then progressively reducing to 0° at 70 knots.

The nose wheel steering can be deactivated by turning off the A/SKID NW STRG switch or by operating the towing lever on the nose wheel (used for pushing back or pulling the aircraft on the ground). Indeed, until the system is modified by Airbus, it is SOP to turn the A/SKID NW STRG switch OFF prior to push back, and turn it back on after push back is complete, thereby ensuring that the nose wheel steering is de-activated during the process. A green NW STRG DISC message appears on the ECAM after de-activation and this message turns amber after the second engine start.

Green Hydraulic pressure will be applied to the nose wheel when all of the following conditions are met: 

• A/SKID NW STRG SWITCH is ON 

• At least one engine running 

• Towing control lever in normal position 

• Main landing gear are compressed 

• ADIRU 1 or 3 operative

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