Although the name Beringer Wheels and
Brakes isn’t familiar to most Americans, the
25-year-old French company has come out with quite a
revolutionary system for light aircraft. The
company’s ALIR system, or anti-lock regulator, is an
inexpensive approach to an anti-lock braking system
for pilots of smaller aircraft.
The $200 in-line device
simply maxes out the pressure that a pilot can put
on the braking system. By knowing the locking
pressure of the aircraft’s brake system, the user
can stomp on the brakes as hard as they like and not
lock them up. The device also compensates for uneven
braking pressure, delivering a constant pressure to
both brakes, and decreasing the likelihood of going
off the runway because of unequal pressure.
Beringer sells the system
either separately or as part of its full wheel and
brake package. Developed over the years for racing
motorcycles, the company’s aircraft wheels are
lighter than stock, and according to a company
representative, more effective at stopping as well.
A full wheel and brake system
will save the average aircraft 10 pounds, according
to the company, and cost about $2,000. Since the
brakes are designed to increase in effectiveness as
heat builds, the company says they stop aircraft
faster and last longer.
Beringer’s wheels and brakes
come in a variety of bright colors. They currently
have supplemental type certificates for the Pilatus
PC-6 in the U.S., although the company is working on
more certifications.