How pilots stop airplanes from hydroplaning on wet runways?

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How pilots stop airplanes from hydroplaning on wet runways?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Aircraft have spoilers on the wing that are set by the pilots to automatically deploy when the aircraft detects the wheels touching the ground.

This is really important to get proper braking as braking load is proportional to the weight on the wheels. Key factor in [this crash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Airlines_Flight_1420)

Another aspect that helps is the use of reverse thrust – this diverts engine power to go in reverse, and provides a braking force that’s independent of grip.

Other factors include the large grooves in the tyres and grooved runway surfaces (runway grooves tend to be perpendicular to the runway direction, tyre grooves are in line with the tyre – I suspect that’s to help with tyre wear and tread stiffness). Also, aircraft will usually land into wind to minimise ground speed, and can use different flap settings to change landing speed.

Also, pilots need to do landing distance calculations before landing considering many factors like weight and weather which includes if the surface is contaminated (such as water / snow / ice). If the calculations don’t work… they need to go for a longer runway / divert / slower landing speed.

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