What is the requirement for local sortie tire acceptance?

The requirement for local sortie tire acceptance is that the red cord must not be visible on the main gear tire. This is crucial because the appearance of the red cord indicates that the tire is severely worn and may be at a point where it can no longer safely support the aircraft during operations. Tires are designed with tread wear indicators, and the red cord serves as a critical safety feature, signaling that the tire should be inspected or replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety.

In aviation, maintaining the integrity of tires is essential for safe take-offs and landings, as any compromise can result in tire failure, which can lead to loss of control during critical phases of flight. Therefore, ensuring that the red cord is not visible is a fundamental requirement for tire acceptance prior to any sortie.