Construction and specification
Aircraft tyres are certified to TSO-C62 (FAA) / ETSO-C62 (EASA) and must be rated for the specified maximum landing mass and maximum ground speed. Key markings:
- Size designation (e.g. 6.00-6 or 15×6.00-6) — diameter × width − rim diameter in inches
- Ply rating — legacy load-capacity rating
- Speed rating — usually ground speed (knots)
Tyre pressure
Set per AFM/POH. Consequences of incorrect pressure:
| Pressure | Effect |
|---|---|
| Under-inflation | Side-wall wear; "creep" (tyre slips on rim); increased friction raises tyre temperature |
| Over-inflation | Centre tread wear; reduced shock absorption; higher burst risk on hard landings |
| Correct | Even wear, optimal shock absorption, correct load capacity |
Creep marks
Painted marks across tyre and rim: indicate whether the tyre has slipped on the rim (e.g. after a hard landing with locked brakes). When the marks no longer align, the tyre has rotated on the rim — could shear the valve.
Pre-flight check
- Visual: cracks, cuts, embedded objects, flat spots, cord showing.
- Creep marks: aligned?
- Pressure: periodic check with a calibrated tyre gauge.