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Aircraft Tire and Tube Frequently Asked Questions

General Tire FAQ's
What is the difference between tire brands
Cross Sections of 6.00-6 Tires -all 6 ply From top to bottom: 1. Goodyear Flight Custom III 2. Michelin Air 3. Specialty Tire Air Hawk

Notice that the Goodyear tire has much more tread rubber than the other tires. Tread thickness of the Air Hawk and the Michelin are comparable.

Cross section comparison of Goodyear Flight Custom III (thicker tread) and Specialty Tire Air Hawk

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Cross section comparison of Goodyear Flight Custom III (thicker tread) and Michelin tire

I can hear something inside my tire when I spin the wheel. It sounds like a pea
Tubes can sometimes have a small bit of loose rubber inside them caused by installing the tube stem during manufacture.

Where should the valve stem be located

The valve stem should be aligned with the red dot or triangle ( indicates the circumferential location of the light spot on the tire). Goodyear tubes are marked with a yellow stripe indicates the heavy spot, if no yellow spot then the valve is considered the heavy spot.

What is the maximum amount of tire imbalance

Cessna uses a tight 5 inch oz. as maximum imbalance Many conditions can lead to landing gear vibration including condition of the landing gear components, tire weight and size, tire inflation pressure, tire set from sitting, tire stiffness, and tire balance. Check your aircraft maintenance manual for the correct tire and correct inflation pressure. Note: if your aircraft maintenance manual lists a 4 ply tire then the inflation pressure is for a 4 ply tire and not a 6 ply tire. For example, the 6.00-6 4 ply Air Hawk tire has a generic* inflation pressure of 29 psi. while the 6 ply Air Hawk has a generic inflation pressure of 42 psi. If you put a 6 ply tire on the airplane that was spec'd for 4 ply and lists 4 ply pressure of 29 psi then you are under inflating the 6 ply tire. This may lead to tire damage and vibration problems. * I say "generic" because these are the tire inflation pressures from the tire manufacturer, Specialty Tire per their letter dated September 18, 2002. The inflation pressure that the airframe manufacturer recommends may be different because of airframe requirements such as landing gear stress, etc.

What is the FAA approval basis for aircraft tires

Aircraft Tires are approved under the FAA's Technical Standard Order system (TSO) All TSO-C62b qualified tires with a speed rating of 160 mph or less and all TSO-C62c qualified tires do not require requalification to TSO-C62d unless the tire is changed. An interesting quote from TSO-c62d follows: The conditions and tests required for TSO approval of this article are minimum performance standards. It is the responsibility of those desiring to install the article on or within a specific type or class of aircraft to determine that the aircraft operating conditions are within the TSO standards.

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Should I reuse my old tube

A new tube should be used when installing a new tire. Tubes grow in service, taking a permanent set of about 25%* larger than the original size. This makes a used tube too large to use in a new tire, which could cause a wrinkle and lead to tube failure. * data from Goodyear Aircraft Tire Data Handbook 11/02 page 24

What does the ply rating mean?

This term is used to identify the maximum rated static load capability and corresponding inflation pressure applicable to specific operational requirements. The ply rating is an indication of tyre strength and does not specify the actual number of carcass plies within that tyre. For example, a 49x17 (32PR) may actually have only 18 plies built into the carcass to accommodate the maximum static load at the corresponding inflation pressure.

Goodyear Tire FAQ

Any Goodyear tire questions - get the bible - the Goodyear Tire Data Book
Goodear has available two excellent publications on tire care. Goodyear Tire Data Book

Are Goodyear's Flight Custom III tire interchangeable with my existing tire?
Goodyear has issued Service Information Letter SL2002-32-002 R1 which states in part: 1. Subject tire full interchangeability with the same size and ply-rating "Goodyear Flight Custom II and Flight Special II. 2. That interchangeability extends to tires with same size and ply rating from competitive brands.

Difference between Flight Custom II and Flight Custom III

When Goodyear introduced the Flight Custom II many years ago, Embry Riddle did a test and found that the II gave 3 times the number of landings than the competition tire. This made The Flight Custom II the lowest cost per landing tire. With the Flight Custom III the number of landings is 20% more then the II. This furthers Goodyear's lead as the highest quality, lowest cost per landing tire in the world. Summary of Flight Custom III Features 20% more landings Kevlar belts for added tread stability (more landings) New tire tread (Aquachannels) to reduce hydroplaning Increased tread depth (more landings) Increased sunlight and ozone resistance (longer lasting) Improved polymer tread compound (more landings)

Specialty Tire (McCreary Tire) FAQ

Differences between the Air Trac, Air Hawk, and Super Hawk Tire

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Air Trac A quality tire that protects your aircraft investment offering solid performance you can count on, day-in and day-out. The AirTrac is an excellent choice for private aircraft of all types...and a great option for training fleets, where hard use is encountered and operational economy is expected. High quality rubber compounds and careful manufacturing techniques come together in the AirTrac. The result? An FAA-approved aircraft tire that provides excellent all-around performance and pilot-proven value. A good Tire at a great price Quality rubber compounds provide durability and improved tread life. Designed to provide reliable performance under a wide range of takeoff and landing conditions. Fleet tested and backed by a solid warranty. Available in a wide range of sizes for personal, corporate and fleet aircraft applications Air Hawk If you're looking for an increased level of performance and security at a price that won't bust your budget, the AirHawk is an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. Improved tread compounds and high-strength casings offer added wear resistance and an extra measure of security. FAA approved and tested by thousands of pilots, the AirHawk delivers reliable, cost-effective performance under a wide variety of takeoff and landing conditions. A superb choice when you require added safety at a lower cost. A Better Tire... and a Great Value High quality rubber compounds provide durability and long service life Specially engineered for added reliability during takeoff and landing Fully tested--in the lab and on the runway Available in a wide range of sizes for personal, corporate and fleet aircraft applications

Super Hawk The best choice you can make when you need the highest levels of performance and extra-long tread life. Designed to handle higher landing speeds and heavier loads, the SuperHawk offers advanced design, precision craftsmanship and over 80 years of tire manufacturing experience that we build in. The result is a premium belted aircraft tire that surpasses FAA specifications and matches the performance levels of far more expensive brands. Make the comparison today, and you'll agree---SuperHawk is a proven Value Leader in high performance, general aviation aircraft tires. Our Very Best Aircraft Tire Nylon-belted construction for flexibility and even wear. Advanced casing designs provide high levels of safety with improved takeoff and landing. Fully tested and approved to TSO C62D. Available in a wide range of sizes for personal, corporate and fleet aircraft applications

Warranty on Specialty Tires

Specialty Tires of America Airplane Tire & Tube

editorial note from John Schwaner Specialty has by far the lowest warranty return of any tire brand that we sell.

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limited WARRANTY Every new airplane tire or tube of our manufacture, bearing our name and serial number, is warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and material. If our examination shows that such tire or tube has failed under terms of' this warranty, we will either repair it or make a reasonable allowance on the purchase of a new tire or tube, based upon our current prices, plus taxes. EXCEPT AS STATED HEREIN, THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS, PERFORMANCE OR OTHERWISE EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OK STATUTORY AND SPECIALTY TIRES OF AMERICA, INC. SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. No representative has any authority to make any representation, promise or agreement, except as stated herein.

What is the proper tire inflation pressure

Tire Inflation Pressure For Specialty Tires (formerly McCreary) 6.00-6 4 Ply - 29 lbs. 6.00-6 6 Ply - 42 lbs. 6.00-6 8 Ply - 55 lbs. source: Letter from Specialty Tires dated September 18, 2002 Note: The same tire may have different inflation pressures (especially nosewheels) due to airplane loading differences. Be sure to check your aircraft's maintenance manual for the correct pressure for YOUR airplane. Due to the properties of the materials from which they are constructed, aircraft tires will grow for up to 12 hours after initial inflation. As the volume of the tire increase, as a consequence of this growth, the effective pressure will reduce. THE INFLATION PRESSURE OF NEWLY MOUNTED TIRES SHOULD BE CHECKED AFTER A MINIMUM OF 12 HOURS AND RE-INFLATED TO THE REQUIRED PRESSURE.

Under-inflation
Excessive wear seen on the shoulders of the tire. May also see circumferal cracks at the base of the treads.

Over-inflation
Excessive wear shown in the center

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Copyright 2003 by Sacramento Sky Ranch Inc. All rights reserved. Prices subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical or misprint. Disclaimer: sacskyranch.com contains abundant information relating to aircraft maintenance. The information provided is not intended to supercede or supplement the F.A.A. approved maintenance and/or operators manuals. Those F.A.A. approved manuals must be utilized when performing maintenance and/or operating aircraft.

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