Definition
An aircraft braking system that automatically detects when a wheel is about to stop rotating during braking and momentarily releases or reduces hydraulic pressure to that wheel's brake, allowing the wheel to keep turning. By preventing wheel lock-up, the system maintains tire traction with the runway, shortens stopping distance, and reduces the risk of tire blowouts and loss of directional control.
Plain English
A system that stops the wheels from locking up when you brake hard. If a wheel is about to skid, it briefly eases off the brake on that wheel so the tire keeps rolling instead of sliding.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing, rejected takeoff, brake system, and aircraft maintenance discussions, especially on larger or faster aircraft.
Derivation
"Antiskid" literally means "against skidding." A skid happens when a wheel stops turning but the aircraft keeps moving — the tire slides instead of rolls. The system is named for what it prevents.
Why Pilots Care
It shortens stopping distance, preserves tire integrity, and maintains steering control during landings and rejected takeoffs.
Analogy
It works on the same principle as ABS in a car — when you stomp the brakes, the system pulses the brake pressure so the wheels don't lock and slide.
Intuition Check
Antiskid does not mean the airplane cannot skid at all. It means the brake system actively tries to prevent a braked wheel from locking and sliding.
Example Sentence 1
After landing on the wet runway, the captain applied firm braking and let the antiskid brake system manage pressure to each wheel.
Example Sentence 2
During the rejected takeoff the antiskid brake system allowed maximum deceleration without tire damage or loss of directional control.