If overheated brakes are suspected, what action should not be taken?

• A. Do not adjust throttle
• B. Do not initiate a climb
• C. Do not set the parking brake
• D. Do not check oil levels

Answer: (C)

In the context of overheated brakes, the action of not setting the parking brake is crucial for safety. When brakes are overheated, applying the parking brake could cause it to seize or become locked, potentially leading to a dangerous situation. This can create a risk where the aircraft may not be able to move or be towed safely.

Maintaining the flexibility of the braking system by avoiding the application of the parking brake is essential to ensure that the pilot retains control over the aircraft's movement on the ground. In situations where the brakes are suspected to be overheating, it's generally advised to allow them to cool down and address the situation without applying additional stress on the braking components.

The other options involve maintaining control of the aircraft and its systems. Adjusting throttle, initiating a climb, or checking oil levels can still be performed while managing overheating brakes, but applying a parking brake should definitely be avoided in this scenario to maintain safety.