when to use brakes?
Having spoken with some fellow instructors here in YSSY, the topic of when to use brakes (considering no requirement to vacate runway immediately exists) came up.
My policy has always been not to use brakes on the runway,and to keep the nose wheel off the ground for as long as possible on landing.
A few reasons for this are:
1/ saves wear and tear on the brakes/tyres
2/ teaches the student what to do in the case where the brakes fail.
3/makes the student think more about the landing and roll-out, helping to ensure a "main-wheels first" landing
4/stops the student slamming the nose wheel onto the tarmac immediately after the mains have touched!(as they have a tendency to do!!!)
what is your opinion?
[This message has been edited by class-e (edited 05 December 1999).]