Definition
A small wheel at the rear of a tailwheel-equipped airplane that is mechanically linked to the rudder pedals, allowing the pilot to direct the aircraft on the ground by pressing the pedals. The linkage typically engages within a limited arc of pedal travel; beyond that arc, the wheel either disengages into a free-castering mode or remains locked depending on the design.
Plain English
On a taildragger, it's the back wheel that turns when you push the rudder pedals, letting you steer the airplane while taxiing.
Context Anchor
Seen when taxiing, taking off, or landing a tailwheel airplane, especially while learning how the airplane responds on the ground.
Why Pilots Care
It gives precise ground control, reduces the need for differential braking, and lowers the risk of ground loops during turns.
Intuition Check
Do not assume every tailwheel is steerable. Some tailwheels can swivel freely, while a steerable tailwheel is connected to the pilot’s foot controls for normal ground steering.
Example Sentence 1
During taxi, the pilot used gentle rudder pedal pressure to guide the steerable tailwheel along the centerline.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight taxi check the instructor used the steerable tailwheel to demonstrate S-turns without touching the brakes.