What is the purpose of a tire pressure monitoring or inflation system on a narrowbody?

• A. To monitor tire pressure and alert to under- or over-inflation, ensuring safe operation.
• B. To automatically replace tires when worn.
• C. To adjust the flight controls.
• D. To monitor cabin pressure changes.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that tire pressure monitoring and inflation systems keep each tire within its specified pressure range and alert the crew if the pressure falls outside that range. Maintaining correct tire pressure is crucial for safe operation because it affects load support, heat generation, braking effectiveness, and tire integrity during takeoff, landing, and taxi. The system uses wheel-mounted sensors to monitor pressure and sends data to cockpit indications; if a tire is under- or over-inflated, a warning prompts immediate corrective action. Some systems may automatically inflate or bleed air to help maintain the target pressure, but the fundamental purpose is to monitor and alert, not to replace tires, adjust flight controls, or monitor cabin pressure.