B767-300 and 300 ER
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part
I noticed during takeoff that the heels of my shoes were binding or hanging up on the floor as we went down runway for takeoff. It felt like the rubber heels were peeling back and my ability to depress the rudder pedals were affected by this sensation. After airborne; First Officer (F/O) and I discussed what appeared to be a new floor skid pad that is abrasive. Same material as foot rests are sometimes covered in. He didn't think they should be there and I don't ever recall this [type of] flooring in simulators (Sims) or planes in my 15-years on plane. We called Maintenance Control to see if someone installed this accidentally and he said it is a new item with paint and anti-skid material. He didn't sound real enthused by it; but said that's what someone decided they'd be doing; going forward. I found the material to be a hindrance to smoothly controlling the rudder pedals on takeoff and I'd suggest they remove it and just stick to what was always there; i.e. nothing but a smooth painted surface.
Reporter stated he was not sure if the B767-300 aircraft had recently come out of a Contract Maintenance Check; but the abrasive anti-skid material applied on the cockpit floor under the rudder pedals created an unsafe condition. He discussed the seriousness of the situation with their Air Carrier's Fleet Technical Engineer and Check Pilot group and believes they immediately acted on the issue. Since then; he has not seen any other B767's with the same condition.
During takeoff; a pilot noticed the heels of his shoes were binding and hanging-up on the cockpit floor; creating an unsafe flight condition and a hindrance to smoothly controlling the rudder pedals on a B767-300 aircraft. An abrasive; non-skid material had been applied to the floor directly under the rudder pedals.