Wheel Speed Transducer Failure in Aircraft

What happens if the wheel speed transducer fails?

A) The aircraft cannot land

B) The anti-skid system is disabled

C) The parking brake is automatically engaged

D) The aircraft loses all hydraulic power

Answer:

The failure of a wheel speed transducer disables the anti-skid system in an aircraft.

When a wheel speed transducer fails in an aircraft, one of the direct consequences is the disablement of the anti-skid system. This system prevents skidding by adjusting brake pressure based on wheel speed comparisons. Without an operational transducer, these comparisons cannot be accurate, potentially affecting braking effectiveness.

Explanation:

When a wheel speed transducer fails in an aircraft, one of the direct consequences is the disablement of the anti-skid system. This system works by comparing the rotation speed of each wheel. When a discrepancy is noticed, such as a wheel spinning considerably less or more than the others, the system interprets this as a potential skid and automatically modulates the brake pressure to prevent such an occurrence. Therefore, the failure of a wheel speed transducer means the system cannot accurately compare wheel speeds and may lead to less effective braking, particularly in adverse weather conditions. It's important to note, however, that such a failure does not necessarily prevent aircraft landing, automatically engage the parking brake, or cause loss of all hydraulic power.