How are the landing gear held up and down?

How are the landing gear held up and down?

• A. Up by hydraulic locks; down by springs
• B. Up by mechanical up locks; down by internal locking mechanisms
• C. Up by electric motors; down by dampers
• D. Up by manual pins; down by gravity

Answer: (B)

Landing gear is moved by hydraulics, but what truly keeps it in place is the locking system. When the gear is raised, mechanical up locks snap into position to secure the gear in the retracted state, preventing any tendency to extend if the hydraulic pressure fluctuates or during maneuvers. When the gear is lowered, internal locking mechanisms—often called down locks—engage to secure the gear in the down, extended position, resisting bounce, loads from landing, and other forces. This combination ensures the gear stays firmly in the correct position for both flight and landing, independent of gravity or other forces that might try to move it.

Landing gear is moved by hydraulics, but what truly keeps it in place is the locking system. When the gear is raised, mechanical up locks snap into position to secure the gear in the retracted state, preventing any tendency to extend if the hydraulic pressure fluctuates or during maneuvers. When the gear is lowered, internal locking mechanisms—often called down locks—engage to secure the gear in the down, extended position, resisting bounce, loads from landing, and other forces. This combination ensures the gear stays firmly in the correct position for both flight and landing, independent of gravity or other forces that might try to move it.