Definition
The inner edge of an aircraft tire bead — the part of the bead that seats against the wheel flange when the tire is mounted and inflated. The bead heel is reinforced to take the load and pressure forces that try to push the tire off the wheel.
Plain English
It is the inside edge of the thick rim of a tire — the part that locks tightly against the metal wheel so the tire stays in place when it is pumped up and rolling.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft tire construction, tire inspection, and tire mounting or removal procedures.
Derivation
‘Bead’ refers to the reinforced rim of the tire that holds it onto the wheel. ‘Heel’ borrows from shoe terminology — the back, lower corner that bears weight. Together they describe the load-bearing inner corner of the tire bead.
Why Pilots Care
A properly seated bead heel prevents tire slippage or sudden deflation during high-speed rolls and heavy landing loads.
Intuition Check
“Heel” does not refer to a person’s foot here. It means the outside supporting edge of the tire bead where it meets the wheel.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic checked the bead heel for cracks before mounting the tire on the wheel.
Example Sentence 2
During landing rollout the bead heel must remain seated to avoid tire separation from the wheel.