Brake pressure applied during downwind check without visual verification of the parking brake lever position.

Background

The parking brake was partially on during a touch & go with the PH-KWH. Pressure was applied to the brake system during the downwind check, but a visual check of the parking brake lever was not performed. The most likely cause was the student touching the parking brake lever with their legs during climb-out.

This has been amended in the Standard Operating Procedures.

Key points

The brake check on downwind must include a visual confirmation of the parking brake lever

Knee/leg contact with the parking brake lever during climb-out is a known risk

SOPs now require both a pressure check AND a visual check

Required actions

When doing the brake check on downwind, look at the parking brake lever — don't just feel pressure

During climb-out, be aware of knee/leg position relative to the lever

If you suspect the parking brake was on, declare it and request inspection after landing

Review the updated SOPs

Further reading

Updated SOPs available on Wings under Documents.