Simviation Forums

Ok, so this question has been on my mind for a while, and I figure I'd ask it before I log out for the night.

Where is the break button/pedal/trigger in a cockpit? for example, a 737.  I mean, I've always kind of wondered is it a pedal? a button? What?

Sorry about my random questions. 

It's usually a pedal, connected to the rudder pedals. You push your toes forward to use the brakes. Old aircraft have separate brake pedals either above or below the rudder pedals. Some older aircraft (< 40's) have what is called a "Johnson Bar," which looks like a manual flap handle. For that, you pull up on the bar for the amount of brake and press the rudder pedals for which brake. I know that a Tri-motor and a Ryan SCW have this, not sure on what other planes might. Hope that helps.

The 737 has toe brakes that are part of the rudder pedals. By pitching the pedals forward you operate the brakes. The parking brake is in the centre pedestal and part of the throttle quadrant housing. It is operated by applying the toe brakes and then pulling back on a small lever. It is all mechanical, low pressure system in the cockpit acting on a high pressure system further down the line.

The Air Bus is much the same, except that the parking brake is at the back of the centre pedestal and can be operated independently of the toe brakes. In this case it is a rotary switch and no mechanical linkage.


Matt