Brakes?

If the plane is on an incline, or there's any chance someone will lean
on it and start it rolling, set the brakes. Otherwise, I can't imagine
that it makes the slightest difference.

--
-Ed Falk,
http://thespamdiaries.blogspot.com/

"Edward A. Falk" wrote in message
...
If the plane is on an incline, or there's any chance someone will lean
on it and start it rolling, set the brakes. Otherwise, I can't imagine
that it makes the slightest difference.

--
-Ed Falk,
http://thespamdiaries.blogspot.com/

And, therein lies the real issue.

I don't recall whether I even did put self service fuel in a high wing
Cessna, and the ones I flew all had the optional inspection steps in any
case. But your post makes a more than sufficient case for setting, and
testing, the brakes before climbing up the ladder and leaning over the wing
with the hose!

Actually, I was taught that the parking brakes were essentially useless and
were difficult to set and worse to release; and AFAIK, I never did try
setting and releasing them.

I hereby resolve to do better.

Peter

Peter Dohm wrote:
Actually, I was taught that the parking brakes were essentially useless and
were difficult to set and worse to release; and AFAIK, I never did try
setting and releasing them.

I was taught to set the parking brake during the pre-flight. This meant
it couldn't roll after I untied it; the brake was released when I was
ready to taxi. It was set again during the run-up, and released, again,
when ready to taxi. Not as a substitute for keeping my feet firmly on the
brake pedals during the run-up, but as insurance in case I accidentally
lightened the pressure.

Interestingly, setting it was on the checklist, but releasing it wasn't.
It was pretty obvious when I forgot to release it.

.... Alan
--
Alan Gerber
PP-ASEL
gerber AT panix DOT com

Alan Gerber wrote:
I was taught to set the parking brake during the pre-flight.

I forgot to mention, this was in a Piper Warrior. I don't know if the
school has a similar procedure for Cessnas, or if there's something
different about their brakes.

.... Alan
--
Alan Gerber
PP-ASEL
gerber AT panix DOT com

"Alan Gerber" wrote in message
...
Alan Gerber wrote:
I was taught to set the parking brake during the pre-flight.

I forgot to mention, this was in a Piper Warrior. I don't know if the
school has a similar procedure for Cessnas, or if there's something
different about their brakes.

... Alan
--
Alan Gerber
PP-ASEL
gerber AT panix DOT com

My current thinking on the matter is that using the parking brake at least
once for each flight is a very good idea--and almost certainly reduces the
probability that it will either stick or leak. Basically, some of the best
day to day maintenance for a lot of things is simply to use them.

Peter