What is a sign of a potential hot brake situation after an aircraft has rejected takeoff?

A brown colored smoke from the wheel assembly is a strong indicator of a potential hot brake situation after an aircraft has rejected takeoff. This type of smoke typically arises from the overheating of the brake components due to excessive friction generated during the braking process. When an aircraft performs a rejected takeoff, especially at high speeds, the brakes are applied forcefully and can reach temperatures that lead to brake wear and overheating.

The visual cue of brown smoke specifically points to the presence of brake materials burning or degrading due to high heat, making it a critical sign for airport fire rescue personnel to act swiftly. Identifying this potential hazard ensures that appropriate safety measures are taken to prevent further incidents, such as brake failure or a fire, which could have serious repercussions both for the aircraft and its occupants.

Other options, such as smoke from the engines, noise from the cockpit, or flashing warning lights, may indicate various issues but do not specifically relate to the condition of the brakes. For instance, smoke from the engines could suggest an engine failure or fire rather than a brake issue. Therefore, while notable, those alternatives do not effectively signal a hot brake scenario like the presence of brown smoke.