Flew two test hops to check wheel pants. One with Bill, one with Pat Bacon.
Noted slight rubbing between the nose gear strut and the top of the wheel pant at aft most position. Marked for trimming - see photo. Also some interference noted at forward position. Removed nose wheel pant.
Checked main gear pants for any problems - found none.
Noted, as on previous flights, a stiffness in the castoring nosewheel rotation requiring excessive use of brakes to make turns. Removed cotter pin and backed off the 1 1/2 inch nut by one flat. Reinstalled pin, test taxied and went once around the pattern including a cross-wind landing. Steering much easier.
