How are hot brakes identified and when do they peak?

• A. Brown smoke from wheel assemblies; peak temperatures may occur 20-30 minutes after the aircraft stops.
• B. White smoke from wheel assemblies; peak within 5 minutes after shutdown.
• C. No visual signs; only temperature readings matter.
• D. Flames issuing from tires; peak after 60 minutes.

Answer: (A)

Hot brakes are identified by brown smoke coming from the wheel assemblies. That smoke is produced when the brake lining and associated components overheat during landing, braking, and taxiing, causing scorching and charring that releases visible smoke. Brown smoke is a sign of overheated brakes rather than a true fire; white smoke would suggest steam or another issue, not typical hot brakes. You’ll often notice the visual cue before any temperature readings can confirm it, and visual signs are a key early indicator in the field. After the aircraft stops, the brake components can continue to heat as residual heat diffuses outward, so temperatures tend to peak a little while after shutdown—typically around 20–30 minutes post-stop. Flames from tires would indicate an active fire, which is not the normal hot-brakes scenario, and no visual signs would miss an important danger.