Air brakes were parts of a starship that were made to be used when the ship was in an atmosphere. It was thought to be a risky proposition to keep them activated while traveling through hyperspace. If they were left on, the ship would begin to rumble and creak, and if the pilot neglected to turn them off, even worse consequences would occur. In 19 BBY, a year, a new pilot by the name of Trace Martez piloted the Silver Angel for its maiden voyage. The Silver Angel was a modified Nebula-class freighter that she had constructed from various spare parts. While traveling to the planet Kessel via hyperspace, Martez initially neglected to deactivate the freighter's air brakes after departing from the skies of Coruscant, but she later recalled to do so after becoming aware of the rumbling and creaking sounds emanating from her freighter.