by Jonathan Spencer

Aircraft tires are probably one of the least-discussed components of an airplane. When you talk to your shop about replacement, the conversation is all of two sentences: Your mechanic says: “That left main was about wore out – we replaced it.” And you reply: “OK.”

Sound familiar? But what did he replace it with? Was it the best choice given your type of flying? Could he have saved you some money with a different tire? And would a cheaper tire really have saved you money in the long run? …