General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

Which brake systems become inoperative upon losing normal brakes?

1. Autobrake only

2. Taxy brake release and autobrake

3. Reserve brakes and emergency brakes

4. Only parking brakes

The correct answer is: Taxy brake release and autobrake

The correct choice indicates that both the taxi brake release and autobrake systems become inoperative if normal braking fails. This is a critical understanding in aviation safety and aircraft operation. The autobrake system is primarily designed to automatically apply brakes without direct action from the pilot. If normal brake functionality is compromised, the autobrake system will also be rendered inoperative, as it relies on the normal brake system to function effectively. Additionally, the taxi brake release is integrated with the normal brake system. If the primary brakes fail, the taxi brake release would not be able to operate because it is dependent on the same hydraulic pressure that operates the normal brake system. Understanding these interdependencies is vital for flight safety and operational protocols, emphasizing the importance of redundant systems in aviation. The other options, such as reserve brakes, emergency brakes, and parking brakes, typically serve as backups and are designed to function independently in scenarios where normal brakes fail. Thus, they do not necessarily become inoperative when normal braking systems fail, making the choice regarding taxi brake release and autobrake systems the most accurate.