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Speed at which anti-skid protection ends

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 9 of 17 on Landing Gear Systems. ACS element AM.II.E.K7 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAfter landing with full brake pedal pressure applied, a typical anti-skid system functions automatically until the aircraft slows to about what speed?

  1. AApproximately 100 mph
  2. BApproximately 20 mph
  3. CApproximately 5 mph
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Approximately 20 mph

  • A — incorrect Anti-skid protection is still needed and still active well below 100 mph; the handover to manual braking happens much later in the rollout.
  • B — correct The handbook states that after touchdown with full pedal pressure held, the anti-skid system functions automatically until aircraft speed drops to approximately 20 mph, then the system returns to manual braking.
  • C — incorrect The system reverts to manual braking before the aircraft reaches taxi-speed crawl, at roughly 20 mph.

BACKGROUND

Large aircraft with power brakes require anti-skid systems, because a skidding wheel cannot readily be detected from the flight deck and an uncorrected skid can blow a tire or cause loss of control. The system detects both actual skid and impending skid, momentarily connecting the pressurized brake fluid area to the hydraulic system return line to relieve pressure at that wheel. Maximum braking efficiency exists when the wheels are decelerating at a maximum rate but are not skidding, so each wheel is monitored for deceleration faster than a preset rate. The flight deck switches must be ON, and after touchdown the pilot applies and holds full pressure on the rudder brake pedals. The system then works automatically until speed drops to about 20 mph, after which manual braking is used for slow taxi and ground maneuvering.

STUDY TIP

Pair the 20 mph figure with the idea that anti-skid is a high-speed rollout protection and manual braking takes over for taxi.

KEY POINTS

  • Anti-skid relieves brake pressure by connecting brake fluid to the return line.
  • It operates automatically until about 20 mph, then manual braking resumes.
  • Maximum braking occurs at maximum wheel deceleration just short of a skid.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Anti-Skid, System Operation"
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MORE ON LANDING GEAR SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.