On Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:45:06 -0500, Jim Logajan
wrote:

Stealth Pilot wrote:
I was taught by a number of very high time instructors back in the
70's that insert subject line here, exactly as I posted in the
original post.

I can't speak to powered aircraft since I only just started training in
gliders a few weeks back. But the SGS 2-33 I'm training in has a wheel
brake on its single wheel that is not used for anything but landings. It
doesn't engage until the airbrakes are fully open/deployed (pulling all the
way back on the airbrake handle engages the wheel brake.) It is not used
during taxi since no one is normally in it when the glider is towed
(airbrakes closed). It isn't used when the glider is tied down since the
airbrakes should be closed at that time also.

It is true that one doesn't always need them, but the only thing they were
designed for was for stopping the glider - not holding it in place.

I did comment that different types of aircraft often have different
design intents. I wasnt commenting on gliders.

Stealth Pilot