The more I research, the more brake fires I come
across occurring in experimental aircraft. However, it turns out the
standard brake fluid is widely used throughout general aviation as well as
airlines - this is the standard 5606 series. The flash point has
ranged from 187F to 240F as some improvements in flash point was made with
each new formula up through Mil-P-5606H.
Attached in PDF format is a concise article from EAA
chapter 493 about an RV-8 brake fire and the crucial difference between the
old standard and the new brake fluid Mil-H-83282. The new brake fluid
is compatible in every way with the standard - but has a flash point around
400F - almost twice that of our standard brake fluid. It turns out the
standard brake fluid has been responsible for airliner crashes, GA crashes
as well as numerous fires.
Your brakes are hot enough even with moderate braking
to immediate ignite the standard brake fluid - if you have any kind
of leak and the fluid contacts the brake pads or rotor - its
quite possible you will find your aircraft on fire as I did.
Naturally I strongly recommend a change to the H-83282
as soon as practical - like no later than your next annual/conditional
inspection if not sooner. Me I'm doing it sooner.
Ed