Understanding Aircraft Tires

From air pressure to the durability of retreads, here's what every owner should know about one of the most critical components of their aircraft.

Richard Scarbrough

Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 01:43 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

[FLYING file photo]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft tires are critical for safe operation, requiring strict adherence to OEM specifications for size, ply rating, and pressure, with only approved (OEM, STC, PMA) tires permitted.
Regular maintenance, particularly daily inflation pressure checks, is the most crucial factor for tire longevity and safety, as tires naturally lose pressure and are prone to damage from wear, sidewall issues, flat spots, and foreign objects.
Retreaded aircraft tires are a safe and valuable option, widely used in commercial aviation, often performing as well as or better than new tires due to a comprehensive re-baking process that restores them to like-new condition.

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Tires are a critical component of your aircraft. Knowing the exact specifications is vital to flying-approved and safe operation. Failure to maintain them could eventually create severe consequences.

Aircraft did not start off with tires, or even wheels, for that matter. The Wright Flyer did not use landing gear. Instead, the launching rail system consisted of four 15-foot two-by-fours totaling 60 feet.