Which statement correctly describes the impact on braking when only one hydraulic system remains?

Which statement correctly describes the impact on braking when only one hydraulic system remains?

• A. Anti-skid braking will be available from the remaining system, with a 50% loss of stopping capability.
• B. Brakes fail completely.
• C. Brakes function normally with no loss.
• D. Brakes become stronger.

Answer: (A)

Redundancy in aircraft braking means you still have braking even if one hydraulic system fails. When two independent hydraulic systems normally supply the brakes, losing one system doesn’t remove braking entirely—the remaining system can still pressurize the brakes and keep them functional. However, that single source means total braking capacity is reduced because you’re relying on only half the usual hydraulic supply. Anti-skid (ABS) protection will still operate on the brakes that are powered by the remaining system, helping to prevent wheel lock, but you won’t have the full, dual-system stopping power. So braking is still available with anti-skid, but with a noticeable decrease in overall stopping capability—typically about half. The brakes won’t be completely failed, won’t operate normally with no loss, and certainly won’t become stronger.

Redundancy in aircraft braking means you still have braking even if one hydraulic system fails. When two independent hydraulic systems normally supply the brakes, losing one system doesn’t remove braking entirely—the remaining system can still pressurize the brakes and keep them functional. However, that single source means total braking capacity is reduced because you’re relying on only half the usual hydraulic supply. Anti-skid (ABS) protection will still operate on the brakes that are powered by the remaining system, helping to prevent wheel lock, but you won’t have the full, dual-system stopping power. So braking is still available with anti-skid, but with a noticeable decrease in overall stopping capability—typically about half. The brakes won’t be completely failed, won’t operate normally with no loss, and certainly won’t become stronger.