I tend to use the brakes when making turns in a GA plane; is this incredibly bad?

 

For a heavy like the 737 I can get by with the rudder axis (I know I should be using the tiller but I have no idea how to do that yet).

You can use either, if you have to make a sharp turn you can slow down and use differential brake to help turn a bit.

 

When I was taking lessons my instructor only got after me for slowing down too much during turns and riding the brakes too much, but in real life, you can't easily turn just by the rudder (at least with the Cessna I was using), so I had to use a little of both

But try to use the brakes only by necessity, and help your rakes by controlling your taxi speed.

A little power and wind from the Prop across the rudder works well for a turn, even a tight one, but you must really have control of the power. I found this works well with the Baytown RV. I will generally use differential breaking but have found for a tight turn, differential breaking alone does not work that well and you really need the prop wash across the rudder.

 

Bob

A really quick and dirty response: While taxing in most GA aircraft, differential braking shouldn't be used except to tighten certain turns. The brakes get hot and worn if you're constantly riding them, and if you've never seen a brake fire on a hot day in a small aircraft, it's pretty bad! Your tricylcle geared Pipers, Cessnas, etc, have linkages directly between the rudder pedals and nose gear when on the ground. Use the brakes sparingly!

 

Obviously constant brake usage is needed in small aircraft with a castering type nose gear (I hate that type). This type gear is prominent in light sport aircraft.

 

Now this is all real world, so what you apply "in sim" is up to you.

Yep, Zach is correct. My Dad's Smith Miniplane (tail dragger) was the same way. Dad tried not to use the brakes too much and did use the prop wash quite often and it was very effective.

 

Bob

For his free castering nose wheel aircraft, Van's says differential braking is for turns bellow low taxi speed. Above that the rudder alone has good authority in the propwash...in other words keep your heels on the floor unless it's really necessary ;) Extra wear and heat are an issue. And I have read an account of a brake fire in a small castering gear aircraft. I think inappropriate brake fluid may have been the culprit, but it illustrates the potential heat (if misused). Using differential brakes on takeoff would be bad for a number of reasons. On a soft field (especially in a 7A) the nose wheel really should be raised as soon as (and as long as) it's safe to do so.

 

Danny

For his free castering nose wheel aircraft, Van's says differential braking is for turns bellow low taxi speed. Above that the rudder alone has good authority in the propwash...in other words keep your heels on the floor unless it's really necessary ;)

 

Yep, they do exactly that. I love this plane. When you fly it enough it just grows on you. It so sensitive but precise.

 

Bob

Hmmm there are many planes in FSX which won't turn well without diff brakes.... I try to lay off mine but sometimes I've got to use them. Free castoring nosewheel planes are so funky.... I flew a Cirrus here in Duluth with those... really odd (I thought it was tricky) on takeoff until rudder has enough authority hehe.

Hmmm there are many planes in FSX which won't turn well without diff brakes.... I try to lay off mine but sometimes I've got to use them. Free castoring nosewheel planes are so funky.... I flew a Cirrus here in Duluth with those... really odd (I thought it was tricky) on takeoff until rudder has enough authority hehe.

 

The RV is so fun and the prop wash code works really well. Love this plane. Now if I could get the Saitek AP to work I will be in hog heaven. I may have to install the std autopilot just so I can use the Saitek, but still checking on some advice that may work.

 

Bob

 

Bob

I agree the RV is excellent. Have you noticed the dust (effect) that kicks up when you apply a lot of power on the ground?

I agree the RV is excellent. Have you noticed the dust (effect) that kicks up when you apply a lot of power on the ground?

 

No!! I will though because I just bought the new airport from ORBX. The one in Eatonville. So I will check it out.

 

Bob

so slightly related - does anyone know if the brake failure capability of the sim is in any way linked to over-usage of the brakes while taxiing? I've always wondered... and for that reason used them sparingly. Nice to know that's how it should be anyways.

I agree the RV is excellent. Have you noticed the dust (effect) that kicks up when you apply a lot of power on the ground?

 

I believe that's a default effects bug and it's from snow or rain that's supposed to be on the ground.