Definition
A loss of braking effectiveness caused by excessive heat in the brake assembly. As friction surfaces overheat, their ability to convert motion into heat drops, so the same pedal pressure produces less stopping force. Brake fade typically occurs after repeated or prolonged brake application and worsens until the brakes are allowed to cool.
Plain English
When brakes get too hot from heavy use, they stop working as well. You press the same amount, but the aircraft slows down less.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft brake maintenance, taxi operations, landing roll discussions, and any situation involving heavy or repeated braking.
Derivation
Fade comes from Old French fader, meaning to lose strength or grow weak. The brakes literally weaken as they heat up.
Why Pilots Care
It increases stopping distance and can lead to runway overruns or loss of control if not prevented by proper technique.
Intuition Check
Fading does not mean the brakes are disappearing or permanently gone. It means their stopping power has weakened, usually because they are too hot.
Example Sentence 1
After several short hops with quick turnarounds, the pilot noticed fading of brakes during the next landing rollout and used aerodynamic braking to reduce wear.
Example Sentence 2
After heavy braking during an aborted takeoff, the crew reported fading of brakes.