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The three different types of hydroplaning are broken down below: Dynamic, Viscous, and Reverted Rubber:
- Dynamic Hydroplaning (Can occur with as little as 1/10th inch of water)
In this type of hydroplaning, standing water on the runway can cause loss of control at high rates of speed. Essentially what happens is: the water resists dispersing when the tire moves fast enough over the wet pavement. This builds a ramp of water, and tire will ride up onto the ramp of water and off of the pavement. There is a formula for determining the speed at which an aircraft will dynamically hydroplane:
Speed of hydroplaning = 8.6 * √(Tire Pressure)
- Viscous Hydroplaning (Can occur with as little as 1/1000th inch of water)
In this type of hydroplaning, a thin film of water gets between tire and runway, which causes the loss of friction. This usually occurs on an extremely smooth surface, such as runway paint or touchdown zone coated with rubber.
- Reverted Rubber Hydroplaning
This type of hydroplaning is the most complicated, and usually occurs from prolonged braking and/or locked up brakes. In this situation the pilot locks up brakes, causing the brakes to heat up. Due to the extreme amounts of heat being introduced by the brakes, the rubber tires begin to revert to their natural state (gooey / gummy rubber), and can create a seal on the runway. This seal then traps water between the tire and the runway surface. The water then heats up from the extreme heat of the tires and is converted into steam. The steam creates enough pressure to lift the tire off of the ground.
Now that you know the different kinds of hydroplaning, it is important to recognize the signs of hydroplaning, so you can take action as quickly and safely as possible.
- Viscous Hydroplaning (Can occur with as little as 1/1000th inch of water)
In this type of hydroplaning, a thin film of water gets between tire and runway, which causes the loss of friction. This usually occurs on an extremely smooth surface, such as runway paint or touchdown zone coated with rubber.
- Reverted Rubber Hydroplaning
This type of hydroplaning is the most complicated, and usually occurs from prolonged braking and/or locked up brakes. In this situation the pilot locks up brakes, causing the brakes to heat up. Due to the extreme amounts of heat being introduced by the brakes, the rubber tires begin to revert to their natural state (gooey / gummy rubber), and can create a seal on the runway. This seal then traps water between the tire and the runway surface. The water then heats up from the extreme heat of the tires and is converted into steam. The steam creates enough pressure to lift the tire off of the ground.
Now that you know the different kinds of hydroplaning, it is important to recognize the signs of hydroplaning, so you can take action as quickly and safely as possible.
Signs of Hydroplaning:
- Skidding and squealing of tires
- Brake ineffectiveness
- Loss of directional control
If you determine that the aircraft is indeed hydroplaning, follow these steps:
Pilot Actions:
Pilot Actions:
1. Avoid / let off brakes
If you are hydroplaning, there is a good chance that the brakes might be locked up. In this situation, it is critical that the pilot lets of the brakes to regain positive braking control in order to stop the aircraft. Keeping the brakes locked will only make hydroplaning worse, and increase stopping distance.
2. Re-apply brakes more smoothly
2. Re-apply brakes more smoothly
SMOOTH-ly. Think Carlos Santana kind of smooth.
3. Use spoilers to put more weight on wheels
While the aircraft is still moving, the wings are producing lift, keeping the weight of the aircraft off of the wheels. Using spoilers will help put more weight on the wheels, making the brakes far more effective.
4. Use rudder for directional control instead of the brakes
NO brakes, means NO differential braking to steer. That rudder is your best friend in a hydroplaning situation.
Now you understand hydroplaning! Stay safe, and have fun!
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