What must be ensured to prevent tire failure upon landing?

To prevent tire failure upon landing, it is crucial to ensure that the speed at which the aircraft touches down is within the specified tire limits. Each aircraft model, including the C-17, has a defined maximum landing speed that must not be exceeded to avoid subjecting the tires to excessive stress that could lead to failure. When landing, the tires absorb a significant amount of kinetic energy, and if the aircraft lands at a speed beyond the tire's design tolerance, it increases the risk of blowouts, tread separation, or other forms of damage that could compromise their structural integrity.

While other factors such as stable weather conditions, calibrated instruments, and approach techniques play important roles in ensuring a safe landing, it is primarily the landing speed in relation to tire limits that directly impacts the risk of tire failure. Maintaining the appropriate touchdown speed allows the tires to perform their function without exceeding the structural limits, thereby enhancing safety during landing operations.