Although the name Beringer Wheels and Brakes isn’t familiar to most Americans, the 25-year-old French company has come out with quite a revolutionary system for light aircraft. The company’s ALIR system, or anti-lock regulator, is an inexpensive approach to an anti-lock braking system for pilots of smaller aircraft.
The $200 in-line device simply maxes out the pressure that a pilot can put on the braking system. By knowing the locking pressure of the aircraft’s brake system, the user can stomp on the brakes as hard as they like and not lock them up. The device also compensates for uneven braking pressure, delivering a constant pressure to both brakes, and decreasing the likelihood of going off the runway because of unequal pressure.
Beringer sells the system either separately or as part of its full wheel and brake package. Developed over the years for racing motorcycles, the company’s aircraft wheels are lighter than stock, and according to a company representative, more effective at stopping as well.
A full wheel and brake system will save the average aircraft 10 pounds, according to the company, and cost about $2,000. Since the brakes are designed to increase in effectiveness as heat builds, the company says they stop aircraft faster and last longer.
Beringer’s wheels and brakes come in a variety of bright colors. They currently have supplemental type certificates for the Pilatus PC-6 in the U.S., although the company is working on more certifications.
Ian J. Twombly
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