Advanced Pilot Training: Brakes

Repeated excessive application of brakes without allowing enough time for cooling between applications causes temperatures to increase dangerously. This may result in brakes freezing, complete breakdown of the brake structure, failure of the brake drums and wheels, blowing out of fires and tubes, and in extreme cases destruction by fire of wheel and brake installations.

Excessively short stops from high speeds and dragging brakes for an appreciable distance while taxiing at low speeds will produce the same results.

To Maneuver on Ground

Control multi-engined airplanes by use of the engines and single engine airplanes by steerable tail wheel, when provided. If necessary to use brakes to steer airplane, use them as little and as lightly as possible.

Precautions

1. Don't drag brakes while taxiing. Avoid applying toe pressure inadvertently while operating rudder pedals.

2. Don't use the brakes for speeding up turns unless a sharp turn is necessary to avoid obstructions.

3. Don't stop the airplane as quickly as possible when it is unnecessary. Take advantage of the full length of the runway during the landing roll, using brakes as little and as lightly as possible.

4. Apply brakes firmly but without jamming them.

5. Don't set parking brakes while brakes are hot. They may "freeze."

6. Don't set and lock brakes during flight; you may land with them on. However, vibration caused by rotation of landing wheels after take-off may be stopped by applying brakes lightly for a short period.

7. If making successive landings, leave the landing wheels extended in the slipstream for at least 15 minutes between landings or allow adequate cooling. If landing wheels are retracted, allow 30 minutes for cooling.

Caution

Don't overheat your brakes. Brakes which get too hot during taxiing may "freeze" after take-off

Emergency Brakes

Know the location of your emergency brake control before take-off. You may need it in a hurry '

Refer to the Handbook of Flight Operating Instructions for instructions on their use.

REFERENCE: Technical Order No. 01-1-27, dated April 24, 1942.