What's the thing in this video the pilot's rotating in the 777?

Question

In this YouTube video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v46PCXHpDeM&feature=related The pilot's rotating something at the very start of the video, when it comes up with "lining up with the runway" on the screen, what is this and what's it for?

Answer 1

He is steering the front wheel of the aircraft to get it lined up with the runway.

Answer 2

Its easyer that using the stering collum because you dont move the flaps while you stering

Answer 3

charles got it spot on

Answer 4

Charles is right for the most part. I don't believe the rudder pedals control the nose gear at all on a 777.

There is no reason to take a chance tying the rudder pedals to the NLG. That would be a rigging nightmare and not be a safe design. We're talking a large aircraft here with retractable gear, not a Cessa. Once the aircraft is lined up on centerline and moving fast enough, the rudder itself is used to keep the airplane straight.

The NLG, by design, will maintain alignment with aircraft centerline since its position is hydraulically boosted.

ADDED:

I am standing here with faces on my eggs. At least for the C5, the rudders are connected to the steering for a maximum 5 degree input. The systems are attached when the tiller is push-pulled by a micro-switch. So the 777 could have something similar. I guess I've been working C130's too long, way too long.

Answer 5

That's called a tiller. It gives the pilot a greater range to rotate the nose wheels than using the rudder pedals.