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 and misuse light aircraft braking systems, leading to poor techniques during ground operations like taxiing and landing.
Improper brake application, such as "riding the brakes" or unnecessary post-landing braking, generates dangerous heat that can cause brake failure, loss of control, and even fire.
Pilots should prioritize aerodynamic braking, use brakes judiciously and sparingly, maintain low taxi speeds with minimal power, and conduct thorough pre-flight inspections.
Key safety practices include understanding the two-step parking brake activation and its limitations, as well as ensuring correct foot placement to avoid inadvertent braking upon touchdown.

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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.