Braking system

The Sportcruiser has hydraulic brakes and, in common with most aeroplanes, has differential braking (separate right and left wheel brake pedals) to permit directional control, turning, etc. Furthermore, both seating positions have brake pedals, so it is possible to control the aircraft from either position.

All this means that the braking system is somewhat complex! There are hydraulic pipes running back and forth between the pedals, a brake lock mechanism for parking and, of course, pipes to the brake disc callipers on each wheel.

Yesterday, I spent a few hours checking all this lot out, prior to filling the system with hydraulic fluid, hopefully some time next week. I had to replace a length of pipe, from the brake lock to the right (starboard) wheel, as it was inadvertently damaged during transport to the paint shop. I also connected the hydraulic pipes up to the brake callipers and secured the pipe to the landing gear legs using ty-wraps.

In the picture you can also see the temperature monitoring labels, which are required by the LAA because the main landing gear is painted a dark colour. Apparently they are concerned that the gear may get too hot in bright sunlight but as I am not in the habit of landing upside down, I would have thought that the wings would provide the requisite shade!

As far as I can see, the brake system is now ready for filling. I have to get some special brake fluid, AeroShell 41, which complies with the necessary MIL-PRF-5606H specification. That's on order today.