Originally Posted by
ERAUdude
Hey Guys/Gals,
Somehow, my suite mate and myself got into talking about takeoffs in transport category jets. He insists that the tiller is used for the first 80 kts on the takeoff roll because there is no rudder steering tied into the nose gear and it's not effective until 80 kts and that's the whole point of the 80 kts callout. Just curious if this is true because it doesn't sound very logical.
He is partially right. Some jets have nosewheel steering tied to both tiller and rudder pedals. Rudders are the first flight controls to become effective during takeoff roll. 80 kts is about the time where rudder deflection is more effective in maintaining runway centerline than nosewheel steering. Tillers are also more dangerous to use at high speeds.