Somehow when taxiing out to the runway this morning for cross the pond, I managed to overheat the brakes on the 777.  Not really sure what I did differently than my previous flights but I got the Brake Heat warning (yellow).  Anyway, I took off and once airborne the non-normal checklist pops up to advise that if I can determine that I have lost air in a tire that I should brake manually upon landing....ok no problem.  I did notice on the gear ECAM page that pressure in one of the tires was zero.

 

After landing and taxi to the gate the brakes come on automatically and I cannot get them off.  After fumbling about for 5 minutes I realized that the flat tire was probably the cause and PMDG had stopped me dead in my tracks.  Given that it was an event and I was holding up other aircraft I decided to do a quick repair via the menu and carried on my way.  I have to say, I am impressed with the attention to detail!

The rule to taxiing a heavy is that you wait until there is room ahead to taxi, then you apply only enough thrust to keep it moving. Keep the speed below 20 kts with power (but do NOT ride the brakes!!). Let the aircraft accelerate if at idle, and brake only if you want to stop. This will minimize brake wear and help prevent overheating. Anticipate slowing, too. She should be pretty heavy so idle long before you want to stop. Think supertanker.

 

Note that brake wear is dictated by brake applications, not how hard you are braking.

 

If you follow me when taxiing you will think I'm going too slow; it's to keep my speed in check and prevent overheating the brakes before departure. This is a serious problem when in hot locations and ambient is already +50 °C.

 

Best regards,

Robin.

I think I need to calibrate my throttle quad again. Throttle levers on idle but I was not getting idle thrust and kept going too fast.

I fly with all types of loads with light or full fuel since I fly freighters, but I rarely use the brakes, only for a 90 degree turn if my speed is a little above 10knots. Just use the throttle lightly and coast, or gently tap the brakes after coasting coming up on a turn or a stop.