Oh Please Just Stop Rolling...

The pilot from NM will remain nameless but the deer whistles he received at the pilots meeting will remain priceless. It was a beautiful landing, however as the antelope was sighted running across the roll-out path of the glider it was evident that the weak drum brake was not going to be sufficient...

Have you ever landed and wished you would stop rolling, maybe a rough field or a glider stopped in front of you? Before you cause an accident you should get the brake working better.

Personally I find it scary when someone at a contest explains how they have to be really careful landing because the brakes don't work. I once owned a Discus 2a and I could put it on the nose with the drum brake.

I teach to touch down then test the brakes, slow down, steer, then coast up to the desired spot without braking.

A few tricks I use to get your old drum brake working:

• scuff pad
• clean grease off drum and pads
• make sure cable is not stretching
• adjust cable so the tire is very difficult to move by hand

Banner Photo by Michael Zupanac

This shoe brake retrofit kit is a simple way to increase your breaking ability.  Set consisting of new brake plate, ready mounted with attaching parts for hydraulic actuation with master cylinder and service filling kit.  Discount applies to all shoe brake retrofit kits.

 Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.