Static labelled overviewSelected: Brakes

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Read about Aircraft wheel and brake

Guided journey

Core airflow: intake to exhaust

Follow the working fluid through the generic two-spool turbofan before tracing the shafts that return turbine work to the compressors and fan.

Step 1 of 8Intake

The intake presents the incoming air to the fan.

Trace the system

What connects to this part?

Select a turbofan flow-path or spool component to show its reviewed upstream and downstream links.

Identify the part

Find it in the model

Test spatial recall with the four reviewed low-pressure-system concepts.

Compare mode

See the difference

Comparison

Compare where each high-lift device sits and how it changes the wing.

Compare	Trailing-edge flap	Leading-edge slat
Location	Inboard trailing edge	Wing leading edge
Primary effect	Increases camber and often area	Opens a slot that delays separation
Exam distinction	Adds substantial lift and drag	Helps sustain attached flow at high angle of attack

Reviewed FAA source (2026-09-09)

Aircraft wheel and brake

The main-wheel brake converts the aircraft’s kinetic energy into heat to slow the aircraft on the ground.

Where it is: At the main landing-gear wheels; the generic model groups each wheel and brake assembly together.
What it does: It provides deceleration, controls taxi speed, and may assist directional control through differential braking.
Relationship: Hydraulic pressure applies the brake, the tyre transmits force to the runway, and the gear carries the resulting loads into the airframe.
Common confusion: The nose wheel supports and steers the nose of a tricycle-gear aircraft; the primary wheel brakes are on the main wheels.

Check yourself

Without looking back, can you explain where the aircraft wheel and brake is, what it does, and which component drives it or is driven by it?

Scope: Generic transport-aircraft teaching model. Reviewed 2026-09-09.

Related concepts

Sources

FAA Pilot’s Handbook: Aircraft Systems