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 misunderstand light aircraft braking systems and misuse them during taxiing and landing, leading to hazards like overheating, brake failure, tire damage, and potential fires.
Proper braking technique is crucial, emphasizing aerodynamic braking, judicious application after landing, minimal power and differential braking during taxiing, and correct foot placement to avoid inadvertent pre-touchdown braking.
Aircraft brakes convert kinetic energy into heat, are less robust than car brakes, and require careful management; common errors include "riding the brakes" and landing with them engaged, particularly with castering nosewheels.
Thorough pre-flight inspection of brake components (disc, lines, caliper, pads) and awareness of malfunction signs are vital for safety, advocating for chocking over relying solely 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.