When handling hot brakes, which direction should the aircraft be parked?

Parking the aircraft into the wind when handling hot brakes is a critical safety measure designed to mitigate the risk of fire or brake failure. When an aircraft is parked into the wind, any potential brake fires or excessive heat can be more effectively dissipated by the airflow, reducing the likelihood of ignition of nearby materials. This positioning allows for optimal ventilation around the wheel and brake assemblies, which is particularly important when brakes are hot and may still be emitting smoke or heat.

Choosing a parking position away from the wind could trap heat and smoke around the aircraft, increasing the risk of fire or making it more difficult for emergency responders to approach safely. Similarly, parking parallel to a runway or perpendicular to the taxiway does not provide the same aerodynamic benefits for cooling or venting as parking into the wind. Therefore, positioning the aircraft into the wind is the most appropriate and safest practice when dealing with hot brakes.