14.11 Is runway width generally enough for a 180 deg turn?
From FlightSim
Most light aircraft, by edging to one side before starting to turn around, and by tapping on the brake in the direction of the turn, can stay within the confines of a 75 ft. wide runway. A 50 ft. wide runway drops some out of the list. Progressively narrower runways eliminate more. Most tailwheel aircraft can pivot on one main wheel (hard on the tires), but watch out for the tail going off the edge, also, if the runway/taxiway is especially narrow. Obviously, this can become a restriction on whether a specific aircraft can use a particular airport, or even a particular runway. Runway length is, of course, another major factor, along with obstructions at the end of the runway. However, just because an aircraft does fine on a 2000 ft. strip at sea level, doesn't mean it can do the same thing at 5000 ft. elevation, or maybe even on a hot day. Less dense air lengthens the takeoff, reduces engine power, climb rate and angle of climb, and even landing distance. Generally a non-turbocharged reciprocating engined aircraft will take 40-60% longer take-off run at 5000 ft. elevation under standard conditions. Some are worse. Some aircraft in FS98 have a realistic turning radius and some don't. Tailwheels tend to be the least realistic in that respect in FS98.
Larry F. Nussbaumer
Even with small planes you have to be careful when doing a 180, but it can be
done. The key is differential braking. If lock the wheel you want to pivot
around your turning radius will be close to the track of the main landing gear.
Like you said, it depends on the angle through which you can steer the nosewheel
too. If you're in a twin you can use differential thrust (more on the outside
engine) to help you around too. To actually make the turn, you start by
swinging wide (like you would to pull into a parking space). In a real plane
you want to turn in the opposite direction from the side you're sitting on so
that you can easily monitor the outside wing for obstacle clearance and to make
sure the main wheel stays on the pavement. As you approach the 180 point steer
to the edge of the runway so that your as far over to one side as possible.
To begin the turn, lock the inside brake and slowly add power while putting
full rudder into the turn. Remember not to start your turn too close to the
end of the runway or the outside wheel might go off the edge. In a multiengine
plane, use only the outside engine to pivot around. This technique works
reasonable well in FS, too.
MDK
