Do you use your parking brake?

[mooreaa]

Hi guys,

Ashely and I are super excited about our kit which is just around the corner. We're just trying to go down the list of add-ons and trying to figure out how useful the parking brake would be for us. I've never HAD to use a parking brake in the Cessna trainer planes I've flow so far, and I've been told not to use them on the ramp, just in case ground crews need to move your plane.

So my question is, do you use your parking brake? How useful is it and what are the situations where you are finding the value in having this?

Secondly, I've seen a post or two about upgraded brake calipers (as well as non factory options). Curious about these in reference to the above and what you guys find useful/important.


FYI tire wise, its a tail wheel config. We'll be sticking to some cheeper (smaller) tires until we get proficient in the plane but after that, I'm hoping we'll be putting on the ABW 26s.

[DesertFox4]

Love the parking brake and use it often. Sloped ramps are no issue anymore. In my model 4 I used to have to jump out while holding onto the Kitfox to quickly get a chock down so my airplane would stay put. With my Grove brake system and Grove parking brake, I can go to full power ( 100 hp Rotax) without any creeping forward. I was very conscience of every oz. of weight I added to my Kitfox during it’s build. The parking brake was worth every oz. it added to my empty weight which was not many.

[jiott]

Agree with DF4; I also use mine very frequently, such as during a quick stop somewhere where it is somewhat windy, but not windy enough to require a full tie-down. The parking brake gives me confidence to leave it somewhere for a while in a moderate wind. It also really anchors it down with a full tie-down in heavier gusty winds and helps prevent a lot of tugging on the tie-down ropes. Well worth the few extra ounces/dollars and is quite easy to install.

[desertdave]

I don't have one but will add one in the future. Definitely a worthwhile feature in my book.

[avidflyer]

I put the parking brake in my Avid Flyer when I rebuilt and find myself using it on nearly every start. I often reach in and push on one brake with my hand, and set the parking brake. That keeps the plane in place while I'm doing other things. I do have my own private strip, so me walking away from my plane may be a bit different then at an airport, but when I rebuilt my Kitfox 4, there was no doubt that it was going to have parking brakes. And so will every other plane I rebuild or own. The last parking brake I bought, I got off of barnstormers for $25 and a rebuild kit is only about 20. Haven't needed to put it in though. JImChuk

[jiott]

Eric, that potential problem you mentioned is exactly why the parking brake lever is mounted way up front on the top of the console. In that position I cannot even reach it with my shoulder harness on, and it is clear out of the way of being accidentally kicked. It takes a very deliberate motion to turn it on or off.

[jrevens]

Mine is in a position far forward on the center council that is practically “impossible” to apply or bump inadvertently, same as Jim.

[Eric Page]

Good point, guys. I made my comment based solely on how it works, rather than considering where it's mounted. Putting it out of reach under normal flight conditions certainly mitigates the problem.

[PapuaPilot]

I use mine all the time too. When you are back country flying you don't always have a flat place to park. A parking brake is really handy here. I also use it when refueling. I step on the tire and top of the gear leg, that way I don't need a ladder to refuel (this works on a tailwheel KF).

I had a friend almost loose his Avid Magnum down a 50' hill at Weatherby because he didn't have a parking brake and he didn't use chocks that day. The plane rolled backwards on its own. Fortunately it turned 90 degrees because the nose wheel pivoted. This happened as we walked back from the river to our planes and we were totally shocked. If it had gone another 10' backwards it would have been down by the river, and he would had rode home with me. Imagine if this happens when you are out on your own at a remote airstrip. BTW my plane was chocked with the parking brake on.

I always carry a chocks in the plane. Chocks are extra insurance because I don't completely trust the parking brake if I am going to walk away from my plane. A good example is this one (Soldier's Bar, Idaho). You can't see it, but there is a chock on one of the wheels and the parking brake was on.

[Shadowrider]

Awesome picture Phil! I have a new respect for those that fly the Idaho backcountry after just returning.