I had a reminder at the weekend when a young boy flying G103 III used the disc wheel brake in a cowboy pilot way. After saying this is not to be done I foolishly felt the temperature of the disc and was burnt badly on 3 fingers.
Tost in there documantation for wheels there are always warnings about use of wheel brakes and to quote one Caution "The brake unit is designed for normal operation. Do not use the brake wheel in your efforts to achieve pin-point landings. It is better to keep your brake in top condition for when you really need it" I urge all users to normally limit use of wheel brake from just before wing is about to drop to bring the last part of the roll to a stop ie just at the very last part of landing. I have heard excessive use of disc brake resulted in long dry grass catching on fire and remember glass gliders burn and once away nothing will stop that fire . I still clearly remember running out to Adelaide Soaring Clubs Pawwnee at Benalla with my fire extingisher to put out the fire (now flames) generated from the wheel brake (1 mile taxi after day had been called off). Personally I would you suggest if you have a cowboy pilot (a Tost word!) then after such use they be made to touch the temperature of disc as a way to remember. I think there is a good case to carry a $20 dry powder fire extinguisher in club 2 seaters like ASK 21, DG505/1000 and Duo. Fire has hit me twice in my life and I am a little more sensitive than most. If in doubt read the paperwork in English which should be with new gliders fitted with Tost wheels or contact Tost [EMAIL PROTECTED] While on disc brakes some installations have a bleed tit which sticks down and can easily be broken off (Ximango) and in an out field landing (ASW20). This can be replaced by a plug which acts as bleed and has proven to be trouble free in such gliders. Regards Ian McPhee (skype macca304) Box 657 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia Tel +61(0)2 66847642 mob +61(0)428847642 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.mrsoaring.com
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