Several of our customers have experienced brake part failures with resultant main wheel damage. I would like every operator to read the Aircraft Braking Systems Service Letter IAI 1124-SL-6 operating recommendations and see if you can lessen these incidences.
Additional Suggestions:
- Use the full runway – Several operators use the full runway length during landing, which allows engine cooling and requires less brake usage, resulting in less heat and wear. Midway back, they are able to shut down one engine so taxi speeds are lower.
- Excessive wear – Another possible factor is allowing the brakes to become worn past the max limit in an attempt to save money, I guess. We usually see excessive overhaul bill-back charges as a result IF the brake lives through it.
- Thrust Reversers – One simple step to extend the life of brakes is to use the reversers. On aircraft that we have maintained for customers who really use the T/Rs, we don’t see any more loose rivets, cracks, worn bearings, etc. in the empennage areas than customers who don’t use the T/Rs. If you look at the costs to perform the 5,000-hour T/R inspection (approximately $18K) versus the costs for ONE set of brakes ($14K), it seems the use of reversers is one of the best ways to save money. Think about that the next time you make a first turnoff landing.
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