Aircraft tires are approximately how many PSI?

• A. 150 PSI
• B. 200 PSI
• C. 250 PSI
• D. 300 PSI

Answer: (B)

Aircraft tires operate at very high pressures to support the heavy loads of landing, braking, and taxiing without excessive tire flex or heat buildup. The typical value used for most main landing gear tires is around 200 psi. This higher pressure keeps the tire from spreading too much under load and helps manage heat during high-speed, high-load events like touchdown. Pressures much lower, like 150 psi, would cause too much tire flex and heat; pressures as high as 250–300 psi would exceed many tire ratings and increase the risk of a failure on impact. So the best match is about 200 psi, with the exact value shown on the tire sidewall or aircraft placard and checked cold before flight.