Is the WOW Sensor Causing Your Intermittent Nose Wheel Steering Fault?

June 2024

When experiencing an intermittent nose wheel steering fault, the first thought is generally, “What is wrong with the steering servo, computer, valve, actuator or strut?” But don’t overlook a very important part of the system—Weight on Wheels (WOW). This system is very easy to test and replace. It has been my experience that WOW is the cause for more than half of these types of faults.

Most aircraft utilize some type of WOW Sensor or Switch that activates when the aircraft is on the ground. They come in many different sizes, shapes, and technologies and can be in various positions in the aircraft and landing gear. The one thing they all have in common is they complete the circuitry required to do many other things on the aircraft. From thrust reversers to nose wheel steering and many in between, the aircraft relies on these switches to operate correctly. A faulty or incorrectly adjusted switch/sensor may cause vital systems to not function or function intermittently.

The WOW System

There are two basic types: mechanical switches and proximity sensors. Mechanical switches are easier to test; however, they fail more often because they rely on mechanical contacts to create the circuit. Proximity sensors do not utilize a direct mechanical contact but instead use circuitry to decipher when the magnetic field is interrupted. The proximity sensors are more reliable, but more difficult to troubleshoot. Most mechanical switches are either open or closed. Yet due to the circuitry of a proximity sensor it can be partially open and partially closed at the same time. So, a proximity sensor that is known to be good but set to an incorrect clearance can cause very erratic behavior of other systems.

Systems that are run through the WOW system are exclusively used either in-the-air or on-the-ground. Systems that utilize the WOW system include, but not limited to, thrust reversers, nose wheel steering, trim and autopilot.