Which statement about anti-skid systems is accurate?

• A. They lock wheels to prevent skidding
• B. They prevent wheel lock during braking
• C. They reduce brake effectiveness at high speeds
• D. They are only active on takeoff

Answer: (B)

Anti-skid systems prevent wheel lock during braking by actively modulating brake pressure for each wheel based on real-time wheel speed. Sensors monitor how fast each wheel is turning, and if a wheel begins to decelerate toward the point of locking, the system releases brake pressure to that wheel and then reapplies it as needed. This keeps the tire in its traction range, preserves steering control, and allows for effective braking even on slippery or variable surfaces.

That’s why the accurate statement is that anti-skid prevents wheel lock during braking. It doesn’t lock wheels; doing so would defeat the purpose. It doesn’t reduce brake effectiveness at high speeds; instead, it helps maintain maximum braking without skidding. And it isn’t only active on takeoff—it's primarily used during braking, such as on landing rollout and when slowing the aircraft, to prevent skids.