A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; General Maintenance Action
Weather; Aircraft; Human Factors
Normal landing in LAS. Ground temperature was 95F. Brake temps at the gate were at 425 on one side and not increasing. We had a 2 hour layover in LAS. Since the brake temperatures were not over 500c; brake fans were not procedurally needed since we had a 2 hour layover. The ground temp increased to 105F while we were away from the aircraft. Consequentially one of the brake temperatures increased and melted the thermal plug which deflated the tire. We did not notice the tire being flat until the people and cargo were loaded on the plane. I praise the ground crew for recognizing the situation; which prevented a more serious matter. Maintenance Personnel at LAS told me to always turn on the brake fans when the ground temp is above 100F. That is not in our procedure. There is a conflict of opinion in the flight department and the maintenance procedures in the use of brake fans. When departing the ground temp was 102. The aircraft was on the ground for less than an hour. Brake temps on takeoff were around 200c. Upon landing in LAS normal reverse was used with little braking to make the turnoff. I feel that ground temperatures over 100F contributed to the higher than normal brake temps on hour 2 hour layover in LAS. I feel that a common procedure in the use of brake fans must be agreed upon with the flight and maintenance departments.
A320 Captain experiences a tire fuse plug failure at the gate after landing at LAS with OAT of 95; increasing to 105 before departure. The hottest brake was 425 C upon gate arrival; with a two hour lay over; and the brake fans were not turned on.