Landing Gear

Aircraft nose wheel steering systems provide directional control during ground operations such as taxiing, takeoff, and landing. This article explains mechanical and hydraulic nose wheel steering systems, steering damping, and the different types of shimmy dampers used to control unwanted nose wheel oscillations. The nose wheel on most aircraft is steerable from the flight deck … Read more

The moving parts and dirty environment of the landing gear make this an area of regular maintenance. Because of the stresses and pressures acting on the landing gear, inspection, servicing, and other maintenance are continuous requirements. The most important aspect of aircraft landing gear system maintenance is conducting thorough and accurate inspections. To properly perform … Read more

Aircraft landing gear must be properly aligned, securely supported, and reliably retracted and extended to ensure safe ground operations and flight. This article explains landing gear alignment, structural support, retraction systems, emergency extension systems, safety devices, position indicators, and nose wheel centering. Retractable landing gear consist of several components that enable it to function. Typically, … Read more

Aircraft landing gear supports the entire weight of an aircraft during landing and ground operations. They are attached to primary structural members of the aircraft. The type of gear depends on the aircraft design and its intended use. Most landing gear have wheels to facilitate operation to and from hard surfaces, such as airport runways. … Read more

Aviation safety depends on the reliable performance of braking systems to decelerate aircraft, maintain control during taxiing, and ensure secure engine run-ups. Modern aircraft brakes are sophisticated units that convert the kinetic energy of a landing or taxiing aircraft into heat through controlled friction. From simple single-disc systems on light trainers to complex multiple-disc carbon … Read more

Aircraft tires experience longer life if operated in a manner to conserve wear and minimize damage. The most important factor affecting tire performance and wear, as well as its resistance to damage, is proper inflation. Always inflate tires to the specified level before flight for maximum performance and minimal damage. An improperly inflated tire has … Read more

Very early aircraft had no brake system to slow and stop the aircraft while it is on the ground. Instead, they rely on slow speeds, soft airfield surfaces, and the friction developed by the tail skid to reduce speed during ground operation. Brake systems designed for aircraft became common after World War I as the … Read more

Aircraft wheels are an important component of a landing gear system. With tires mounted upon them, they support the entire weight of the aircraft during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The typical aircraft wheel is lightweight, strong, and made from aluminum alloy. Some magnesium alloy wheels also exist. Early aircraft wheels were of single piece construction, … Read more

Aircraft tires may be tube-type or tubeless. They support the weight of the aircraft while it is on the ground and provide the necessary traction for braking and stopping. The tires also help absorb the shock of landing and cushion the roughness of takeoff, rollout, and taxi operations. Aircraft tires must be carefully maintained to … Read more