Definition

1. Noun:
   • A structural component of a helicopter's landing gear: A "landing skid" is one of a pair of long, fixed supports, typically made of metal or composite material, attached to the underside of a helicopter's fuselage. Its primary function is to absorb the impact and support the weight of the helicopter during landing, takeoff, and while it is stationary on the ground.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The helicopter's landing skid made contact with the helipad.
  • After the rough landing, the pilot inspected the landing skid for any damage.
  • This model uses a simple, rugged landing skid instead of retractable wheels.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on the skids" (idiom, related conceptually): To be in a state of decline or failure. (Note: This idiom uses "skids" generally, not specifically "landing skid").
  • After the scandal, the company's reputation was on the skids.

Variants and Related Words

• Landing gear (n): The entire undercarriage of an aircraft, which may include wheels, skids, or floats.
• Skid (n): A broader term for a runner or low platform used as a support or for sliding. A helicopter's landing skid is a specific type of skid.
• Float (n): A type of landing gear for aircraft designed to land on water.

Synonyms

• Landing runner
• Skid gear (when referring to the pair or system)

Related Phrases

• To touch down on the skids: To land a helicopter.
  • The pilot expertly touched down on the skids in the small clearing.

Noun

1. one of two parts of the landing gear of a helicopter