Taxiing, Steering, And Braking Practices; Operating Practices - Cirrus DESIGN SR20 Pilot's Operating Handbook And Flight Manual

Section 10
Safety Information

Taxiing, Steering, and Braking Practices

Cirrus aircraft use a castering nose wheel and rely on aerodynamic
forces and differential braking for directional control while taxiing.
Proper braking practices are therefore critical to avoid potential
damage to the brakes.
The most common cause of brake damage and/or failure is the
creation of excessive heat through improper braking practices. Pilots
unaccustomed to free castering nose wheel steering may be inclined
to "ride" the brakes to maintain constant taxi speeds and use the
brakes excessively for steering.
When brake temperatures are between 270-293°F (132-
145°C), the Crew Alerting System will display a BRAKE TEMP
Caution annunciation. A BRAKE TEMP Warning annunciation
occurs when brake temperature exceeds 293°F (145°C). If
either annunciation occurs, the pilot should stop the aircraft
and allow the brakes to cool to avoid damaging the brake
system.

Operating Practices

When taxiing, directional control is accomplished with rudder
deflection and intermittent braking (toe taps) as necessary. Use only
as much power as is necessary to achieve forward movement.
Deceleration or taxi speed control using brakes but without a reduction
in power will result in increased brake temperature.
On flat, smooth, hard surfaces, do not exceed 1000 RPM maximum
continuous engine speed for taxi. Power settings slightly above 1000
RPM are permissible to start motion, for turf, soft surfaces, and on
inclines. Use minimum power to maintain constant taxi speed.
"Riding the brakes" while taxiing is similar to driving a car with one foot
on the brake and one foot on the gas. This causes a continuous build
up of energy that would otherwise be moving the airplane.
Observe the following operating practices:
• Verify that the parking brake is completely disengaged before
taxi.
• The rudder is effective for steering on the ground and should be
used.
10-10
• Caution •
Cirrus Design
SR20
P/N 11934-004
Original Issue