Definition
A wheel-braking system that automatically detects when a wheel is about to lock up under heavy braking and rapidly modulates brake pressure to keep the wheel rolling. By preventing wheel lockup, it preserves directional control and shortens stopping distance on slippery or contaminated runways.
Plain English
A braking system that stops the wheels from skidding when you brake hard. It quickly releases and reapplies the brakes many times a second so the tires keep rolling instead of sliding, which lets you steer and stop more safely.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing performance discussions, especially when considering braking action, stopping distance, and directional control after touchdown.
Derivation
From 'anti-' (against) and 'lock' (a wheel that has stopped rotating while the aircraft is still moving). The name describes exactly what it does: prevents the wheel from locking.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains directional control and reduces stopping distance on landing, lowering the chance of runway excursions.
Intuition Check
Antilock braking does not mean the brakes are weak or that the pilot should pump them. It means the system automatically adjusts brake pressure to prevent a wheel from stopping its rotation while the aircraft is still moving.
Example Sentence 1
On the wet runway, the antilock braking system kept the wheels turning during the rollout, allowing the pilot to maintain centerline with the rudder.
Example Sentence 2
Wet pavement required steady brake pressure while the antilock braking system maintained steering control during rollout.