Braking Tactics

While conducting flight reviews and stage checks for students working toward various airman certificates, Im finding pilots who do not have a strong understanding of the operation and limitations of light aircraft braking systems. Ive also noticed many pilots misuse the brakes in landing and taxiing. For the former, brakes are incorrectly and/or unnecessarily applied immediately following landing. For the latter, excessive engine power requires the pilot to ride the brakes to control the airplane. Both are examples of poor technique.

Michael J. Banner

Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Many pilots lack a strong understanding of light aircraft braking systems, leading to common misuse during taxiing and landing, which constitutes poor technique.
Improper brake application, such as "riding the brakes" with excessive power or landing with brakes engaged, generates hazardous heat that can lead to brake failure, tire damage, and even fires.
Safe ground operations require judicious brake use, including aerodynamic braking, applying brakes sparingly and only when necessary, and using differential braking with minimal power for steering.
Pilots should ensure proper foot placement during landing to avoid accidental brake application, conduct thorough preflight inspections of brake components, and use wheel chocks instead of solely relying on parking brakes.

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While conducting flight reviews and stage checks for students working toward various airman certificates, I’m finding pilots who do not have a strong understanding of the operation and limitations of light aircraft braking systems. I’ve also noticed many pilots misuse the brakes in landing and taxiing. For the former, brakes are incorrectly and/or unnecessarily applied immediately following landing. For the latter, excessive engine power requires the pilot to “ride the brakes” to control the airplane. Both are examples of poor technique.

As we’ll see, misusing brakes during all ground operations, not just landing and taxiing, can be hazardous. As a brake overheats, it can fail, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. In extreme cases, abused brakes can catch fire. There’s a better way.