Learn about the most critical components of the landing gear system and how they enable successful landings for aircraft.

@Don for brakes the universal repair interval is CAT C - 10 days not hours. The MEL can be applied regardless of where there airplane is or is going as long as the repair is completed before the end of the 10 days. And of course, there are usually maintenance deactivation and flight crew operations procedures to be carried out to dispatch with an inoperative brake. Also performance penalties must be applied (usually for increased landing distance) but also extra fuel may be required as well.

What are the most critical components of an aircraft's landing gear system?

Landing an aircraft safely and smoothly requires a complex and reliable landing gear system that can withstand high loads, shocks, and environmental conditions. In this article, you will learn about the most critical components of an aircraft's landing gear system and how they work together to enable successful landings.

1 Wheels and tires

The wheels and tires are the main contact points between the aircraft and the ground. They have to support the weight of the aircraft, absorb the impact of landing, and provide traction and braking. The wheels and tires are usually made of aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy, and have multiple layers of rubber and steel cords to resist wear and tear. The tires are also filled with nitrogen gas to prevent fire and corrosion.

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Don Gunawardena

Military Training Expert at CAE, V&V - Defence and Security.
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Imbalance tire pressures within nose gear tires could cause vibration during the take off roll and landing roll out at the high speed regime.

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Robert Gassert

Expierienced Aviation professional specializing in Aircraft Maintenance and 135 operations.
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An Aircraft Landing gear system is the critical bridge between air and ground configurations of aircraft operations. An often overlooked portion of landing gear systems is adequate and proper use of lubrication in moveable components. Not only will lack of greasing and lubrication cause corrosion or premature wear of bearing/ moving surfaces(Which can become costly!) ,In certain circumstances this can cause the landing gear to not move when it should. In icing conditions or cold weather ops lack of grease or lubrication can cause water to freeze between moving parts. Though landing gear lube is often a job given to junior mechs in the hangar, it is critical that this job is completed correctly to ensure safe operation of an aircraft.

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Xavier Tejeda

Aircraft Mechanic at PSA Airlines Greenville South Carolina
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A 5 cent o-ring inside the strut will keep you landing here from collapsing you could still land the aircraft if you blow a tire but if you collapse the gear you don't have nothing that's why I say the internal O-rings and back of O-rings are the most critical part of landing gear

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2 Brakes and anti-skid system

The brakes and anti-skid system are essential for controlling the speed and direction of the aircraft on the runway. The brakes are usually hydraulic or electric, and consist of discs, pads, calipers, and pistons that apply friction to the wheels. The anti-skid system is a computerized device that monitors the wheel speed and pressure, and adjusts the braking force to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding. This improves the stopping distance and stability of the aircraft.

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Timothy Templeman, CD

Flight Ops Minimum Equipment List Controller, Air Canada - Airbus A320 and Boeing 787
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@Don for brakes the universal repair interval is CAT C - 10 days not hours. The MEL can be applied regardless of where there airplane is or is going as long as the repair is completed before the end of the 10 days. And of course, there are usually maintenance deactivation and flight crew operations procedures to be carried out to dispatch with an inoperative brake. Also performance penalties must be applied (usually for increased landing distance) but also extra fuel may be required as well.

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Don Gunawardena

Military Training Expert at CAE, V&V - Defence and Security.
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Most bigger aircrafts, Minimum Equipment Lists allows to operate with one unserviceable brake per side with a maximum operating hours until reaching a suitable repair facility or Main Operating Base.

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3 Shock absorbers and retraction mechanism

The shock absorbers and retraction mechanism are responsible for damping the vibrations and shocks from the landing, and for folding and unfolding the landing gear during flight. The shock absorbers are usually hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders that compress and extend according to the load and movement of the aircraft. The retraction mechanism is a combination of hydraulic or electric actuators, cables, pulleys, and hinges that retract or extend the landing gear into or out of the fuselage or wings.

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4 Steering and alignment system

The steering and alignment system are used for maneuvering the aircraft on the ground, especially during taxiing, turning, and parking. The steering system is usually controlled by the pilot through pedals or a tiller, and operates the nose wheel or the main wheels to change the direction of the aircraft. The alignment system is a set of sensors and actuators that ensure the proper position and orientation of the landing gear during retraction and extension.

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5 Sensors and indicators

The sensors and indicators are used for monitoring and displaying the status and performance of the landing gear system. The sensors are devices that measure parameters such as pressure, temperature, speed, position, and load, and send signals to the cockpit or the control unit. The indicators are instruments or lights that show the pilot or the ground crew the condition and operation of the landing gear system, such as whether it is locked, extended, retracted, or damaged.

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Don Gunawardena

Military Training Expert at CAE, V&V - Defence and Security.
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Landing gear system proxy sensors provide inputs to sensor signal interface units (SSIU). Depending on the type of aircraft, there will be multiple SSIUs collecting sensor inputs from other systems as well.

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6 Safety devices and backup systems

The safety devices and backup systems are used for preventing or minimizing the risks and consequences of failures or malfunctions of the landing gear system. The safety devices are features such as pins, locks, valves, switches, and fuses that secure, isolate, or disable the landing gear system in case of emergency or maintenance. The backup systems are alternative sources of power or control that can activate or operate the landing gear system in case of loss or failure of the primary system, such as batteries, pumps, or manual levers.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most critical components of an aircraft's landing gear system?

1

2

3

4

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1 Wheels and tires

2 Brakes and anti-skid system

3 Shock absorbers and retraction mechanism

4 Steering and alignment system

5 Sensors and indicators

6 Safety devices and backup systems

7 Here’s what else to consider

Airport Management

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What are the most critical components of an aircraft's landing gear system?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Wheels and tires

2 Brakes and anti-skid system

3 Shock absorbers and retraction mechanism

4 Steering and alignment system

5 Sensors and indicators

6 Safety devices and backup systems

7 Here’s what else to consider

Airport Management

Rate this article

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