Hypothetical situation: mx issue

[falconvalley]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

It's remarkable how much stuff breaks at a mx base, isn't it?

LOL, yep. Good thing is most POIs realize that and understand

[kellwolf]

Even better, try practicing NO brake landings on long runways. If you ever buy an aircraft, your wallet will thank you......

[B767Driver]

Did you try the parking brake? I can't remember how the p. brake system works in the Cessna...and maybe it uses the same master cylinder as the toes brakes.

I remember flying some old Cherokee that did not even have toe brakes...you had to reach down and use the parking brake.

I think you made a good decision. Legally, it was the proper one...no one can fault you for that. Although, in your career you will receive pressure to fly in these types of situations. It's nice to hear the owner did not pressure you to fly.

FWIW, in a small airplane my goal is to never use the brakes unless stopped. I fly out of a 4900' strip, so it's plenty long. I touchdown, use full back elevator pressure and can make a taxiway turnoff about 2500' down the runway. I tap the brakes for a little differential braking to turn off the runway and that's it.

[DE727UPS]

The parking brake in every Cessna I've owned is junk and shouldn't be trusted. It's just a cable that is supposed to actuate the master cylinder. A Cherokee is completely different. The first Cherokee's didn't even have toe brakes but the hand pump brakes/parking brake worked great.

[EDUC8-or]

Originally Posted by jrh

Here's a bit of a "You're the captain" story for those in charge of Cessnas:

You return from a flight and, after landing, discover the left brake is almost completely failed. It has a small amount of power, but essentially goes to the floor and is useless. The right brake is still fully functional.

You're based at a small airport without any maintenance facilities.

Do you:

A) Fly the plane out to another nearby airport to get worked on.

B) Call the nearest FAA office and ask for a special flight permit.

C) Arrange for a mechanic to come to your airport and work on the plane on-site.

D) Come up with a solution I haven't listed.

If you opt for answer B), what do you do if the FAA denies you a special flight permit?

I'm assuming you're a renter. Stuff like unsked MX is included in your rates. Call a mechanic, order some pizza, and hang out for a while.

[EDUC8-or]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

Even better, try practicing NO brake landings on long runways. If you ever buy an aircraft, your wallet will thank you......

I always chuckle at the guys who slam on the brakes to hit the first highspeed on a 2 mile runway. If ATC doesn't say "Plan minimum time on runway" I let the reversers do all the work and touch the brakes just to turn off. On a cool day the BTMS don't top 1, in the summer around 2.

[CapnJim]

My decision would be predecated on where I was stuck. If it was in a college town, with friendly and helpful coeds willing to put me up for the night in exchange for helping them out with thier beer surplus and cold-bedsheet problem, then there is no way I would fly in such a dangerous and potientially career-affecting situation.

If I were stuck in Llano, however, and Cooper's was closed, I'd fly that sumbitch anywhere.

But hey, that's me. I'm a goofy f'ker.

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by EDUC8-or

I always chuckle at the guys who slam on the brakes to hit the first highspeed on a 2 mile runway. If ATC doesn't say "Plan minimum time on runway" I let the reversers do all the work and touch the brakes just to turn off. On a cool day the BTMS don't top 1, in the summer around 2.

FOD damage...MMMmmmmmm

[EDUC8-or]

They go to idle at 80 and they're closed by 60.

[Tiger815]

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

If the runways are long enough at both places, I'd have no problem flying it.

Unless it's a design like a Grumman, Cirrus or RV with castering nose wheel.

No brakes = No steering once rudder authority is lost.

[Kingairer]

Originally Posted by SteveC

I'm having a hard time imagining what could possibly be important enough to make me want to fly an aircraft that isn't working properly?

Have you seen Deliverance?