What does an anti-skid warning indication signify?

An anti-skid warning indication signifies that the anti-skid system is either off or has experienced a failure. The purpose of the anti-skid system is to prevent wheel lockup during braking, allowing the pilot to maintain steering control and reduce stopping distance on various runway surfaces. When this warning triggers, it alerts the pilot that the system designed to enhance braking performance and safety is not operational.

The other options touch on related concepts but do not directly address the specific function of the anti-skid warning. For instance, overheating brakes would not trigger an anti-skid warning as it pertains more to thermal issues rather than the operational status of the anti-skid system itself. Similarly, issues related to traction and landing gear malfunctions are separate from the functionality of the anti-skid mechanism. Thus, when faced with an anti-skid warning, pilots must take note of the indication to ensure adequate stopping capabilities and safety during operations.