When is differential braking particularly useful?

Differential braking is particularly useful when making sharp turns on the ground because it allows for more effective control of the aircraft's directional movement. By applying the brakes on one side of the aircraft while leaving the other side unbraked or applying less braking force, pilots can create a pivot point, enabling tighter and more controlled turns. This technique is essential for maneuvering the aircraft on the taxiway and during ground operations where space is limited, or when navigating around obstacles.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not leverage the advantages of differential braking to the same extent. For instance, during a hard landing, the focus would be primarily on managing the overall landing technique rather than utilizing differential braking. In maintaining straight flight, the aircraft should ideally be on a stable trajectory with the need for even operation of brakes. Lastly, during takeoff, differential braking is generally not required, as the focus is on accelerating down the runway rather than turning or controlling lateral movement.