Definition
Mechanical springs that connect the rudder pedals to the nosewheel steering linkage on some airplanes, allowing the pilot to steer the nosewheel on the ground through pedal input while still permitting the nosewheel to caster or move independently when needed.
Plain English
A spring-based link between the rudder pedals and the nosewheel. When you push a pedal, the springs tug the nosewheel in that direction, but they give a little so the wheel isn't forced to move in lockstep with your feet.
Context Anchor
Encountered during taxiing, especially when learning how rudder pedal movement turns a steerable nosewheel or tailwheel on the ground.
Why Pilots Care
They give controlled steering response on the ground and prevent damage to the landing gear from abrupt turns or bumps.
Intuition Check
Do not think of steering springs as landing shock absorbers. Here, they are flexible links in the ground-steering system that help pass your pedal input to the wheel.
Example Sentence 1
Because the trainer used steering springs rather than a direct linkage, the student learned to apply gentle, early pedal pressure when turning during taxi.
Example Sentence 2
Before taxi, the pilot checks that the steering springs are intact and free of corrosion.