Landing Gear Systems fall into two categories: fixed or retractable. In a fixed landing gear system, the aircraft's gears remain down and locked in position to take off and land at all times. It is beneficial because of ease of use for pilots and the small amount of maintenance for upkeep and operations. The retractable aircraft landing gear is different because it rises into the body of the aircraft after takeoff using a hydraulic pump. Before landing the same hydraulic system is used to lower the gear into position (PHAK, 2016). The retractable landing gear benefits aircraft because it is more aerodynamic, however it also introduces potential safety hazards when the hydraulic systems do not function as intended (Special VFR, 2016).
There are several safety measures taken to accompany a hydraulically-dependent landing gear. These retractable landing gear aircraft are supplied with circuitry to prevent the landing gear from collapsing while on the ground, alternative systems to extend the gear such as a manual crank in the cockpit, and a maximum airspeed to manually operate the landing gear (Berry, 2016). Additionally, aircraft are equipped with a warning system built in to alert pilots when the gear is not extended or retracted fully (Berry, 2019). Without a landing gear, aircraft would land on the belly of the aircraft, which is not built to withstand much impact from the ground. Much damage to aircraft and occupants can happen when the landing gear is not operational.
If there is not proper maintenance on hydraulic fluid levels and landing gear systems, many aspects of flight, including taking off and landing, can be adversely affected. Additionally, if there is a leak in the hydraulic system, fluid levels can decrease rapidly, sometimes without notice. Thorough checklists can better ensure safe hydraulic levels for the aircraft's landing gear system, and proper electrical operations for the landing gear warning systems can offset the safety hazards associated with retractable landing gears.
Berry, M. (2019, April). Retractable Gear Systems: Even well-maintained systems can leave you sitting in the middle of the runway. Aviation Safety, 39(4), 8+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A581680847/AONE?u=embry&sid=AONE&xid=bf22e604
Federal Aviation Administration. “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK),” 2016. Retrieved https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/.
Smith, P. (2016, September, 09). Aircraft Systems - 04 - Landing Gear [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skv6CgCY3vM&list=PLzW-Ub1FWeZzdOHQhNK0U0Ci1a-VRH8IO&index=35
Word Count: 309
No comments:
Post a Comment