Title: Describe aircraft landing gear.
Course: Aircraft Pilot Training I (20053-I) > Section: Examining Aircraft Instruments, Components, Systems, and Performance

Description should include the following:

- The landing gear on small aircraft consists of three wheels—two main wheels (one located on each side of the fuselage) and a third wheel positioned either at the front or rear of the airplane.
- Landing gear employing a rear-mounted wheel is called conventional landing gear.
- Airplanes with conventional landing gear are often referred to as tailwheel airplanes.
- When the third wheel is located on the nose, it is called a nosewheel, and the design is referred to as a tricycle gear.
- A steerable nosewheel or tailwheel permits the airplane to be controlled throughout all operations while on the ground.
- Landing gear can also be classified as either fixed or retractable.
  - Fixed landing gear always remains extended and has the advantage of simplicity combined with low maintenance.
  - Retractable landing gear is designed to streamline the airplane by allowing the landing gear to be stowed inside the structure during cruising flight.

PLT138