Definition

1. Noun:
   • The undercarriage of an aircraft: "landing gear" refers to the complete assembly of wheels, struts, brakes, and related structures that supports an aircraft when it is on the ground, during takeoff, and during landing. It is retracted during flight to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Usage

• The term "landing gear" is used exclusively in the context of aviation to describe the system that allows an aircraft to maneuver on the ground and absorb the impact of landing.
• It is typically used as a singular noun, even though it comprises multiple components (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pilot lowered the landing gear in preparation for touchdown.
  • After a rough landing, the mechanics inspected the landing gear for damage.
  • Modern jets have complex, retractable landing gear.

Advanced Usage

• "to lower/raise the landing gear": standard pilot commands and actions for extending or retracting the undercarriage.
  • The control tower instructed the pilot to lower the landing gear for final approach.
• "landing gear failure/malfunction": a critical situation where the undercarriage does not operate correctly.
  • The emergency was declared due to a suspected landing gear malfunction.

Variants and Related Words

• Undercarriage (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with "landing gear," especially in British English.
  • The undercarriage sustained damage during the hard landing.
• Gear (n): In aviation context, this is a common shortened form of "landing gear."
  • "Gear down and locked" is a standard confirmation from a pilot.
• Nose gear (n): The forward set of wheels in a tricycle landing gear configuration.
• Main gear (n): The primary set of wheels, typically located under the wings or fuselage.

Synonyms

• Undercarriage: The supporting framework underneath a vehicle, especially an aircraft.

Related Phrases

• Gear-up landing: An emergency landing where the landing gear is not extended.
  • The crew successfully executed a gear-up landing on the foam-covered runway.
• To cycle the gear: To retract and then re-extend the landing gear, often as a troubleshooting step.
  • The pilot cycled the gear to try to resolve the indication fault.

Noun

1. an undercarriage that supports the weight of the plane when it is on the ground