Definition
On a weight-shift control aircraft (such as a powered parachute or trike), the cords or lines connected to the trailing edge of the wing or canopy that the pilot pulls to deflect that side of the wing, producing a turn. Pulling the right steering line turns the aircraft right; pulling the left turns it left.
Plain English
Cords the pilot pulls to steer the aircraft. Pull the right one to go right, the left one to go left. They work by tugging down on one side of the wing so the aircraft turns in that direction.
Context Anchor
Seen in powered parachute control discussions, preflight checks, turning, and landing.
Derivation
“Steering” means guiding direction. “Line” is an older practical word for a cord or rope, not a painted mark on the ground. Together, “steering lines” means the cords used to guide the wing.
Why Pilots Care
They provide the mechanical link needed for accurate yaw and ground steering during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Analogy
They work a little like reins on a horse: pulling one side guides the direction. The aircraft does not turn because the cord is a rudder; it turns because the cord changes the wing on that side.
Intuition Check
Do not read “lines” as runway markings or route lines on a chart. Here, steering lines are physical cords attached to the parachute-style wing.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor demonstrated a gentle right turn by pulling the right steering line a few inches.
Example Sentence 2
During the crosswind taxi, smooth inputs through the steering lines kept the airplane tracking straight despite the gusts.