Aircraft Landing Gear Systems

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What is one of the primary functions of the landing gear?

To generate lift during flight

To absorb the kinetic energy of takeoff

To provide a means of controlling the aircraft's speed during flight

To support the aircraft at a convenient height to give clearance for propellers and to facilitate loading (correct)

What type of landing gear is often used in slow, light aircraft and larger aircraft where simplicity is important?

Tricycle landing gear

Fixed landing gear (correct)

Retractable landing gear

Taildragger landing gear

What is the main advantage of fixed landing gear?

Improved maneuverability on the ground

Simplicity, reduced maintenance, and low initial cost (correct)

Reduced drag during flight

Increased weight and complexity

What is the primary purpose of retractable landing gear?

To reduce drag during flight Signup and view all the answers

What type of fixed landing gear is commonly used at the main undercarriage positions?

Spring Steel Leg Signup and view all the answers

What is attached to the upper end of a Spring Steel Leg?

Bolts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mechanical locks in a retractable landing gear system?

To ensure the undercarriage is locked securely in both retracted and extended positions Signup and view all the answers

What kind of loads are taken by the torque links during ground maneuvering?

Torsion loads Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the warning devices installed in a retractable landing gear system?

To guard against landing with the landing gear retracted Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the hydraulic fluid in oleo-pneumatic struts?

To dampen oscillations and control the rate of compression and extension Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical arrangement of the main undercarriage units in most aircraft?

Two just aft of the center of gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the holes in the piston connected to the lower cylinder?

To restrict the flow of fluid through the piston Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cylindrical beam or trunnion in a retractable landing gear system?

To connect the leg to the wing spars Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the truck beam in a retractable landing gear system?

To pivot about its central point in a controlled way Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the flutter valve in oleo-pneumatic struts?

Not mentioned in the text Signup and view all the answers

What surrounds the inner cylinder in an oleo-pneumatic strut?

Air or nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the aircraft's weight is typically supported by the main undercarriage units?

90% Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of making wide turns when maneuvering on the ground?

To decrease the load on the torque links Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of nose wheel steering in an aircraft?

To enable the pilot to maneuver the aircraft safely on the ground Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using powered steering in commercial aircraft?

It allows the engines to be set at the minimum thrust for taxiing, saving fuel Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of hydraulic pressure in a hydraulically controlled nosewheel steering system?

The same line that lowers the landing gear Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the restrictors in the pipelines between the steering actuators?

To provide dampening for the steering operation and help to prevent nose wheel shimmy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mechanical feedback device in a hydraulically powered system?

To hold the nose wheel at the selected angle Signup and view all the answers

What controls the steering in some aircraft, depending on the type of aircraft?

Either the tiller or the operation of the rudder pedals Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the gear lever when the gear is up and locked and the door is closed?

It is placed to the off position and the gear is unpressurized Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a disagreement between the lever and the gear when the lever is selected down?

The red gear light comes on Signup and view all the answers

What redirects the hydraulic fluid to the gear up lock actuator and the gear actuator?

The door sequence valve Signup and view all the answers

What controls the speed of lowering the gear?

The one-way restrictive valve in the restricted flow direction Signup and view all the answers

What locks the gear down?

The lockdown actuator Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the red gear light when the gear is locked down?

It goes out Signup and view all the answers