Aircraft Tire & Brake Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Aircraft tire and brake inspections are a critical airworthiness maintenance function governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 43, which establishes the standards for all maintenance performed on U.S.-registered civil aircraft. Landing gear systems, including tires and brakes, are subject to mandatory inspection intervals defined in the aircraft manufacturer's Maintenance Manual (AMM) and must be conducted by appropriately certificated personnel. Failures in tire or brake systems are directly linked to runwa

  • Industry: Aircraft Maintenance
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Aircraft Mechanic
  • Total Items: 37
  • Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 43 - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding and Alteration, FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D - Scope and Detail of Items to be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections, FAA 14 CFR Part 145 - Repair Stations, FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B - Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices, FAA Advisory Circular AC 120-97B - Rejected Takeoff and Landing Performance

Documentation & Pre-Inspection Setup

Verify all required maintenance documentation, aircraft records, and inspection authority before beginning tire and brake inspection.

  • Is the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) chapter for landing gear and braking systems current, approved, and available at the work site?
  • Has the aircraft been properly secured (chocked, grounded, and de-energized) prior to beginning inspection?
  • Are the total cycles, landings, and flight hours for this aircraft recorded and verified against inspection trigger points?
  • Are the part numbers and serial numbers of installed tires and brake assemblies recorded in the maintenance record?
  • Have any recent pilot write-ups, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) items, or deferred defects related to braking performance been reviewed?

Nose Gear Tire Inspection

Inspect nose gear tire condition, inflation, wear, and wheel assembly integrity per AMM specifications.

  • Is the nose gear tire inflation pressure within the manufacturer's specified operating range (cold inflation pressure)?
  • Is the nose gear tire tread depth above the minimum serviceable limit with no flat spots, cuts, or exposed cord plies?
  • Are nose gear tire sidewalls free from bulges, cracking, weather checking, or impact damage?
  • Is the nose gear wheel assembly free from cracks, corrosion, and damage, with all wheel bolts torqued to specification?
  • Is the nose gear tire inflation valve core seated correctly with a serviceable valve cap installed?

Main Gear Tire Inspection (All Assemblies)

Inspect all main landing gear tire assemblies for airworthy condition, including wear, pressure, and structural integrity.

  • Are all main gear tire inflation pressures within the manufacturer's specified range for current aircraft operating weight?
  • Are all main gear tires within serviceable tread wear limits with no groove bottom cracks or exposed reinforcing plies?
  • Are dual-wheel tire assemblies matched within the maximum permissible diameter difference to prevent unequal loading?
  • Are main gear tires free from chevron cutting, hydroplaning damage, or overheating discoloration?
  • Have thermal fuse plugs been inspected to verify none have been expelled due to overheating?
  • Is a photo record of each tire assembly condition captured for the maintenance documentation file?

Brake Assembly Visual Inspection

Inspect all brake stack assemblies for wear, condition, heat damage, and fluid integrity without full brake disassembly.

  • Is brake wear indicator pin protrusion within serviceable limits per the AMM wear indicator chart?
  • Are brake heat sink (rotor and stator) surfaces free from visible cracking, chipping, or excessive scoring visible through the wheel inspection window?
  • Are brake hydraulic lines, fittings, and actuator assemblies free from leaks, chafing, kinking, or contact with hot brake components?
  • Is the brake torque tube and torque plate assembly free from cracks, corrosion, and loose or missing fasteners?
  • For aircraft equipped with autobrake systems, has the autobrake system self-test been performed and passed?

Anti-Skid & Brake Control System

Verify the anti-skid and brake control system components for correct function and the absence of fault codes or system anomalies.

  • Are there any active anti-skid or brake system fault codes displayed on the aircraft's maintenance data system or BITE system?
  • Are wheel speed transducer assemblies securely mounted, free from damage, and electrical connectors properly seated and locked?
  • Are anti-skid control valve hydraulic connections leak-free and valve body free from physical damage?
  • Has a ground brake system operational check been performed per the AMM after any brake component replacement?
  • Is the brake system hydraulic pressure accumulator charged to the specified pre-charge pressure?

Landing Gear Strut & Shimmy Damper

Inspect oleo strut extension, fluid level, and shimmy damper condition to ensure proper gear dynamics and steering control.

  • Is nose gear oleo strut extension within the AMM-specified range for current aircraft gross weight and ambient temperature?
  • Are main gear oleo struts free from hydraulic fluid leaks past the strut seals?
  • Is the nose gear shimmy damper free from leaks and does it provide resistance throughout its range of travel?
  • Are all landing gear torque links (scissors) properly lubricated, free from wear, and with all pins and bushings in serviceable condition?
  • Are gear door hinges, actuators, and uplocks/downlocks free from cracks, corrosion, and excessive play?

Post-Inspection Airworthiness Release & Documentation

Complete mandatory maintenance records, return-to-service documentation, and mechanic sign-off per FAA regulatory requirements.

  • Have all discrepancies found during this inspection been corrected or properly deferred per the aircraft's MEL before sign-off?
  • Has a maintenance record entry been made in the aircraft logbook or approved equivalent per 14 CFR 43.9 requirements?
  • For Part 145 repair station sign-offs, has a work order been completed and tagged with the authorized inspector's approval stamp?
  • Have any airworthiness directives (ADs) applicable to tire, wheel, or brake components been checked for compliance?
  • Describe any corrective actions taken, parts replaced (with P/N and serial numbers), or deferred items from this inspection.
  • Is this aircraft approved for return to service following the tire and brake inspection?

Related Aviation Checklists

Related Aircraft Maintenance Checklists

Why Use This Aircraft Tire & Brake Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This aircraft tire & brake inspection checklist [free pdf] helps aircraft maintenance teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for aircraft mechanic professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 43 - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding and Alteration, FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D - Scope and Detail of Items to be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections, FAA 14 CFR Part 145 - Repair Stations, FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B - Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices, FAA Advisory Circular AC 120-97B - Rejected Takeoff and Landing Performance. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Aircraft Tire & Brake Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Documentation & Pre-Inspection Setup, Nose Gear Tire Inspection, Main Gear Tire Inspection (All Assemblies), Brake Assembly Visual Inspection, Anti-Skid & Brake Control System, Landing Gear Strut & Shimmy Damper, Post-Inspection Airworthiness Release & Documentation. It is designed for aircraft maintenance operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Aircraft Tire & Brake Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Aircraft Mechanic professionals in the aircraft maintenance industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists