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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
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