When should a pilot bring the aircraft to a hover during a hot brake fire?

In the event of a hot brake fire, the pilot should prioritize bringing the aircraft to a hover to attempt to put the fire out. This action is crucial as it allows the pilot to maintain control while minimizing the risk of further damage or danger to the aircraft and surrounding personnel. Hovering provides the pilot with the ability to assess the situation and the fire without the complications that come from being on the ground, such as potential for spreading flames and exacerbating the fire risk due to surface materials.

Attempting to extinguish the fire while hovering is significant as it allows for the possibility of deploying fire suppression measures safely from a distance, thereby protecting both the aircraft and those on the ground. In scenarios where a fire may endanger lives or lead to further incidents, this approach can make a substantial difference in managing the emergency effectively.

The other choices do not address the urgency of the situation adequately. Inspecting the tires does not prioritize the immediate concern of the fire; signaling for help, while important, should be secondary to resolving the imminent hazard; and allowing for better visibility, though useful in some contexts, does not directly contribute to addressing the fire itself. Overall, the pilot's action to hover and combat the fire is the most direct and responsible course of action