Date: 201911
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: D01.TRACON, CO
Flight conditions: VMC
Aircraft: A319
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Takeoff / Launch
Airspace: Class G ZDV
ATC / advisory: Center ZDV
Aircraft component: Brake System
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: Shortly after takeoff from ZZZ we had a Hot Brake ECAM. Temps on left main outboard brake were 400C and climbing; left main inboard temp was climbing as well but still within normal values. We stopped our climb at 12;000 ft.; informed ATC that we needed to stop the climb and followed the ECAM procedure. After lowering the gear per the ECAM the temps cooled and we retracted the gear. Captain was in communication with Dispatch and Maintenance and we all decided to continue to ZZZ1. Since the left brake was used very little during the taxi out we assumed we had a dragging brake; also the takeoff roll seemed slightly more sluggish then normal and seemed to require slightly more rudder to maintain centerline- although there was a crosswind and being at a higher altitude ZZZ these weren't really apparent until we had the hot brake ECAM. Landing in ZZZ1 was normal; brakes did warm up slightly on the left main gear even though they weren't used. Contract Maintenance jacked up the left main gear and moved the wheels and noted the outboard wheel took more force to turn. In connection with [Maintenance Control] they deactivated the left main outboard brake and the wheel spun freely. After the MEL was inputted we continued the turn back to ZZZ.


Second narrative: Shortly after takeoff the HOT BRAKES ECAM popped up on the Engine Warning Display. The display showed the temperature rising rapidly on brake number 1 (left outside wheel on left truck). We initially thought it was a sensor malfunction but we followed the ECAM procedure as commanded. We requested clearance from ZZZ departure to level at 10;000 ft.; warned the passengers about the impending noise; dropped the landing gear and droned at 10;000 ft.; then 12;000 ft. at 240-250 kts. The temperature rose to approximately 415C (not very hot) then began to fall back down. Now we were convinced it was not a sensor failure and most likely a dragging brake number 1. Brake number 2 temperature also rose but was likely warm because it was sitting on top of the left wheel 1. Once the temperature dropped below 300C we slowed to below 220 kts. per the ECAM and Flight Manual and raised the gear. The temperature on brake 1 was down in the 200's by that time. We climbed to cruise altitude while I contacted Dispatch and [Maintenance Control]. They worked through the issue and the decision was to continue to ZZZ1. [Maintenance Control] coordinated to have Contract Maintenance meet us on arrival and they found the left outside brake 1 dragging. A new brake assembly would not arrive until 1130pm (7+ hours from then) and [Maintenance Control] proposed deactivating the brake and hydraulic pressure. I; my First Officer and Dispatch agreed with [Maintenance Control] that it was safe and the best solution. We flew to ZZZ and landed uneventfully.


Synopsis: Flight Crew flying A319 aircraft encountered hot brakes after takeoff.