Abstract: The acceptability of the steering angle between the nose wheel of an aircraft and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft during transportation of the aircraft on the ground using a wheeled vehicle (with or without a tow bar) is provided. The wheeled vehicle has a source of collimated radiation (such as a laser beam emitting unit, or an LED or other light source with a lens and/or aperture system) which directs a beam on a surface of the aircraft having at least two significantly different collimated radiation reflecting areas (e.g. a light material arc bounded by dark material marks). In response to radiation from the collimated beam, or lack thereof, reflected from the surface of the aircraft back to a receiver on the wheeled vehicle, it can be determined if the nose wheel steering angle is within an acceptable range (typically no more than between about 60.degree.-80.degree., which would damage the nose wheel).

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle for transporting aircraft along the ground includes an engagement and hoisting unit supported by a vehicle chassis. The unit is brought into a position close to, but not touching, the nose wheels of the aircraft, both in front of and behind the contact points between the nose wheels and the ground. The unit is lifted by a cylinder acting between it and the chassis and makes contact with the treads of the nose wheels on both sides of the contact points, raising the nose wheels off the ground.