What degree of nose wheel deflection indicates a power steering loss?

A nose wheel deflection of ± 75° is indicative of a power steering loss because this amount of deflection suggests that the system responsible for controlling the steering is no longer effectively assisting the pilot in maneuvering the aircraft on the ground. In aircraft with power steering systems, normal operation allows for smoother and more manageable steering at lower speeds. However, when power steering is lost, the pilot will need to exert significantly more force to turn the nose wheel, which can lead to an increased struggle in controlling the aircraft.

In typical operations, nose wheel deflections within the standard range indicate optimal performance of the steering system. Deflections approaching or exceeding ± 75° signal that the aircraft is operating outside normal parameters, thus alerting the crew to potential issues with steering capability that need to be addressed for safe ground maneuvering. Understanding these limits is crucial for pilots to maintain control and safety during ground operations.