Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

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Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being good pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 02.24.06

It’s not enough to move the landing gear switch to avoid a gear-up landing. It’s not even enough to look for green lights or other indications to check gear position. To truly verify landing gear is down and locked you need to check at least four, and perhaps five results of moving the gear handle.

Gear Verification

Be certain the landing gear is down by checking:

• Sound. Cycling the landing gear has a predictable sound. Consciously listen for the pattern and duration of sound. Does the gear or hydraulic motor run longer (or shorter) than normal? Is the sound unusual or intermittent? Does the wind noise meet expectations? Part of gear verification is hearing the expected pattern of noise.
• Feel. How does the airplane feel as the gear goes down? A Sierra I flew skewed a little right, then a little left, then straighten out as gear legs extended one at a time. The Apache and Super Viking give a hefty kick with the rudder pedals once the hydraulic gear system reaches the downlocks. Expected aircraft feel is part of verifying landing gear extension.
• Performance. The airplane will go through a predictable change in performance with fully extended landing gear. Most will go from level to a roughly 500 foot per minute descent, with little or no change in airspeed. Some types nose up slightly (as drag changes, and center of gravity shifts rearward as the nosewheel pulls up and back) before entering a descent. Once established, cross-check power settings, vertical speed and airspeed -- if they don’t provide “normal” values, it’s possible the gear isn’t fully down. Compare actual performance to expected as a big part of verifying gear extension.
• Look. Really look at the gear indicators to be certain they read as expected. Don’t assume moving the switch means the gear is down -- you’ve got to see the proper indications.
• Confirm. In high-wing airplanes look outside for a wheel. Ask right-seat passengers to check their side for you. Many low-wing airplanes have a mirror that permits gear observation. Visually confirm gear extension if possible.

Aero-tip of the day: Hear, feel, detect, compare, see and confirm to avoid a gear-up landing.

FMI: Aero-Tips