After a landing or rejected takeoff, what is the minimum brake cooldown time?

• A. 15 Minutes
• B. 5 Minutes
• C. 30 Minutes
• D. 10 Minutes

Answer: (A)

When heavy braking occurs, the brake components absorb a lot of heat. If you reuse the brakes too soon, you risk brake fade and potential damage because the friction materials and rotors haven’t cooled enough to perform reliably. That’s why a cooldown period is prescribed after a landing or rejected takeoff.

For the CRJ-550, the minimum brake cooldown time is fifteen minutes. This duration gives enough time for heat to dissipate through airflow and convection, helping restore braking effectiveness and reduce the risk of overheating. In practice, during this interval you should avoid heavy brake use and allow the wheels to cool; extending beyond this period isn’t typically required by standard procedures, but always follow the specific airline and aircraft operating manual guidance if different.