Patent ID: 8463466

Claim:
A method of controlling the ground heading of a taxiing aircraft using an aircraft ground steering system, said method comprising the steps of: a) defining a first activation condition as a predetermined threshold of a first steering command input to said ground steering system of the aircraft; b) monitoring said first steering command input to said ground steering system for said first activation condition; c) if said first activation condition is met, storing the current heading of the aircraft as a reference heading; d) monitoring the true heading of said aircraft so as to detect deviation of said aircraft from said reference heading; e) calculating a ground steering angle arranged to correct any said deviation and to cause said ground steering system of said aircraft to return said aircraft to said reference heading; f) applying said ground steering angle in the form of a second steering command calculated by a heading controller to said ground steering system; adding said second steering command to said first steering command; and, steering said taxiing aircraft on the ground via a nose-wheel of said aircraft and in accordance with said added first and second steering commands.