Maximum brake speed for gross weight less than or equal to 8,900 lbs?

• A. 20 KGS
• B. 38 KGS
• C. 40 KGS
• D. 30 KGS

Answer: (B)

When you brake a helicopter, the useful concept is how much braking energy the gear and tires can safely absorb at a given weight. The MH-65E manual specifies braking limits that depend on gross weight, because heavier aircraft have more kinetic energy to dissipate and thus tighter limits to prevent tire or brake damage.

For a gross weight of 8,900 pounds or less, the chart sets the maximum brake speed at 38 KGS. This takes advantage of the reduced energy at lighter weight while staying within the design limits of the braking system. The other numbers don’t fit this weight category on the chart, so they would either overconstrain or understate the safe braking capability for this weight range.

So, the best answer reflects the weight-dependent brake limit: 38 KGS.