Ok, so this question has been on my mind for a while, and I figure I'd ask it before I log out for the night.

Where is the break button/pedal/trigger in a cockpit? for example, a 737.  I mean, I've always kind of wondered is it a pedal? a button? What?

Sorry about my random questions. 

The 737 has toe brakes that are part of the rudder pedals. By pitching the pedals forward you operate the brakes. The parking brake is in the centre pedestal and part of the throttle quadrant housing. It is operated by applying the toe brakes and then pulling back on a small lever. It is all mechanical, low pressure system in the cockpit acting on a high pressure system further down the line.

The Air Bus is much the same, except that the parking brake is at the back of the centre pedestal and can be operated independently of the toe brakes. In this case it is a rotary switch and no mechanical linkage.


Matt