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Old 8th Jun 2014, 16:28
  #23 (permalink)  
Capt Groper
 
Join Date: Oct 1998
Location: OS
Age: 65
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Beware of inexperienced ATC Tower controller being too dramatic.

I have always advised flight crew to confirm ATC visual reports of fire/smoke, from another source, when available, before rushing into an evacuation. For example; opening the windows and stretching out the window to see the wing area, fire chief on 121.60 mHz.

Case 1
In daylight conditions A/C at high landing weights and landing on short RWYs may well have smoking brakes. This smoke should not necessarily lead to an EVAC. This smoke should dissipate once the brake temps reduce. In actual fact containing to taxi, with minimal brake application, will help reduce BRK temps.

Case 2
In night time conditions the same A/C after landing will have a red glow around the centre of tyres. Smoke may not be initially seen unless using binoculars.

ATC are also suffering from a lack of experienced controllers so beware of the over descriptive / enthusiastic ATC Tower controller saying that your A/C is on fire. It may just be hot BRKS. This is especially true for larger A/C, eg A380, where an evacuation is a very serious decision.

My two bobs worth..
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