Originally Posted by
G-BOAC
What conditions/scenarios contribute to this situation - i.e. the brakes needing to be cooled a bit more than normal? From Spottie's post, it seems fast turnarounds may be one thing by my reading (i.e. taking off not long after having already landed and used the brakes). Air temperature? Anything else? Long taxi delays with lots of use of the brakes?
I don't recall 'experiencing' this on any of my flights so far and it's now one of those curious things I learn on FT which piques my interest
Yup, all the reasons you state really. If the crew have been a bit heavy on the brakes on the landing (usually for an operational reason like being asked to vacate at a certain point, or knowing they are being closely followed behind on final approach) then an average turnaround time might not be long enough for the brakes to cool sufficiently.
I'm not sure if air temparture has much to do with the sitation, but using them during taxi certainly does. On lots of Biz Jets and some RJs you'll see one of the reverse thrusters open. This keeps the aircraft speed low and stable, and reduces strain on the brakes.
I can't recall ever having experienced this myself, but I've certainly seen it on other aircraft on numerous occasions.