Which tire feature directs water away from engine intakes?

• A. Bead
• B. Tread pattern
• C. Chine
• D. Valve stem

Answer: (C)

Water management on aircraft tires includes directing spray away from sensitive areas like engine intakes. The feature that serves this purpose is a chine, a small raised edge along the tire’s sidewall that acts as a deflector. As the tire spins, the chine channels water outward and away from the wheel well and engine inlet, reducing the chance that spray gets drawn into the engines during high-speed wet runway operations. The bead mainly holds the tire to the rim and doesn’t influence spray direction. The tread pattern helps manage water under the contact patch for traction and hydroplaning resistance, not specifically to direct water away from engine inlets. The valve stem is simply for inflation and has no role in water deflection.