Originally Posted by
CONF iture
Do you have reports or anecdotes in mind which would support the mention of big problems ?
I have heels off the floor for every takeoff. Here is a classic example of why...
The brakes are operated by applying pressure to the top of the rudder pedals. The brakes can be operated from either the left or the right pilot seat through the dual rudder pedal system.
Examination of the rudder pedals by TSB investigators determined that, with the feet placed with the heels on the floor, very little pressure could be applied to the tops of the pedals to operate the brakes. It was possible to position the feet higher on the pedals so that the rudders could be operated without exerting pressure on the brakes, while also permitting the brakes to
be operated simultaneously with deflection of the rudder pedals.
The pressure exerted by the FO’s foot against the right rudder pedal prevented repositioning the foot higher on the pedal to operate the brake. The FO was unable to operate the brake for directional control because he was unable to release the pressure on the rudder pedal without losing the directional control provided by the rudder.
Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors
1. The aircraft was operating in environmental conditions conducive to snow
penetration into the brake assemblies during ground operations at Kenora.
2. The brake assemblies on the left main landing gear froze, preventing the wheels from
rotating during the landing roll at Dryden.
3. The first officer’s foot position and pressure application on the rudder pedals prevented effective use of differential braking and nosewheel steering to maintain directional control of the aircraft after landing.
Findings as to Risk
1. Although the practice of pilots placing their feet on the rudder pedals with their heels on the floor reduces the risk of tire damage from an unintentional brake application, the practice creates a risk that pilots will not be able to use the brakes to maintain directional control.
http://tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-report...6/a04c0016.pdf