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Performance and weight and balanceQuestion 853 of 934

What is dynamic hydroplaning?

  1. The tires heat up and lose their grip because of friction from the brakes
  2. The tires sink into soft ground on the runway
  3. The airplane skids sideways because of a crosswind
  4. The tires ride on a thin sheet of water instead of the runway surface
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Correct answer: The tires ride on a thin sheet of water instead of the runway surface

When the tires hydroplane, braking and directional control are almost nil.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance — Water on the Runway and Dynamic Hydroplaning, page 269

Practice performance and weight and balance

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026