Understanding autobrake disconnects optimizes safety, brake wear, and efficiency

A recent article from OpenAirlines highlights the important role that autobrake selection plays in operational optimization, balancing fuel efficiency, Idle Reverse operations, carbon brake wear, and pilot workload.

Operational data suggests that, when used appropriately, autobrakes provide a smooth, continuous deceleration profile that minimizes unnecessary brake applications while supporting fuel-efficient landing techniques.

However, understanding braking performance requires more than simply knowing which autobrake mode was selected. It is equally important to know when pilots disconnect the autobrake and take over manually.

This is exactly what a new feature in CEFA AMS makes visible.

During flight replay, pilots can now clearly identify the precise speed at which the autobrake was disengaged and correlate that moment with the entire landing rollout: reverse thrust usage, remaining runway, aircraft deceleration, pilot inputs, and much more.

Why is this important?

Disconnecting the autobrake too early often results in multiple manual brake applications instead of one continuous, optimized braking profile. As highlighted in the OpenAirlines article, this can increase brake cycles, which are a significant contributor to carbon brake wear.

The new visualization enables far more meaningful debriefings by helping instructors and crews discuss questions such as:

• At what speed was the autobrake disengaged?
• Was there an operational reason to take over manually?
• Could  longer use of autobrake have provided a smoother and more efficient deceleration?
• Is there an opportunity to reduce unnecessary brake applications while maintaining safety and operational efficiency?

More than simply displaying another parameter, this feature provides valuable insights into pilot technique and decision-making during one of the most critical phases of flight.

At CEFA, we believe that turning flight data into operational understanding is what truly supports continuous improvement and more effective pilot training.

Have a look at our previous training-related publications on our blog at https://www.cefa-aviation.com/blog/