Automatic brake
The automatic brake ("autobrake") is a system that occurs primarily in commercial aircraft . It supports the pilots in braking the aircraft on landing by automatically activating the wheel brakes after touchdown. Activation usually only takes place after the nose gear has been put on . This relieves the pilot, who would otherwise have to operate the wheel brakes with the pedals, and can take care of other tasks. Although the automatic brake is available in almost all commercial aircraft, there is usually no obligation to use it.
In general, the automatic brake is switched on by the pilot before landing. In modern commercial aircraft there is generally a three-stage "autobrake" available which, after touching down on the runway, brings about a low, medium or strong braking effect as required. In addition to these settings 1, 2 and 3, Boeing , for example, also has the MAX setting, which applies the maximum braking effect, but is usually only used in emergencies.
In addition, an automatic braking system is available in a large number of commercial aircraft, which automatically ensures an immediate maximum braking effect in the event of an aborted take-off ("RTO function", "rejected takeoff"). In this case, pulling the thrust lever back to idle is sufficient to activate the automatic brake and thus the full automatic braking effect. This allows the cockpit crew to concentrate on the other measures to be taken.