On large aircraft, braked wheel assemblies are normally inflated with
- nitrogen.
- nitrogen and not more than 5% of air.
- an argon and CO2 mixture.
Explanation
Large-aircraft tyres are inflated with nitrogen because it is dry and inert, so it will not support combustion if a brake overheats or a fuse plug releases, and its low moisture content avoids pressure changes and corrosion. Using air would introduce oxygen and the risk of a tyre fire or explosion near hot brakes.
Afshinarabi asking:
ONE ANSWER IS ONLY NITROGEN AND ANOTHER SAYS
nitrogen and not more than 5% of air. WHICH ONE IS CORRECT?
Community Comments (1)
A
AnyaK Posts: 3 21.06.2026 / 13:29
Because ATA 32 braked wheels must stay low on oxygen so the hot tyre liner does not gas off and ignite, answer is plain nitrogen. The certification limit is 5 percent oxygen by volume, not 5 percent air, so that second option is just a worded-up distractor.
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