What is the recommended procedure for a suspected stuck landing gear?

What is the recommended procedure for a suspected stuck landing gear?

• A. Continue flight and monitor gear remotely.
• B. Follow the gear extension/retention procedures in SOP, declare emergency if needed, and land at the most suitable location.
• C. Return to base immediately without declaring emergency.
• D. Ignore gear issues unless it fails to extend.

Answer: (B)

When a landing gear is suspected to be stuck, you start with the published gear extension and retention procedures. These steps are designed to systematically attempt to extend and lock the gear using the required systems and alternate means, while keeping the aircraft configured safely for flight. If those attempts do not produce a confirmed, locked gear, you declare an emergency so ATC and rescue/ground services can give you priority and clear guidance, then you select the most suitable landing location available considering runway options, terrain, weather, obstacles, and your aircraft’s performance. This approach prioritizes safety, uses approved procedures, and avoids unnecessary risk from flying with uncertain gear status. Continuing to monitor the issue from a distance, returning to base without emergency clearance, or ignoring the problem until a failure occurs all fail to address the immediate risk and do not provide the required level of situational management.

When a landing gear is suspected to be stuck, you start with the published gear extension and retention procedures. These steps are designed to systematically attempt to extend and lock the gear using the required systems and alternate means, while keeping the aircraft configured safely for flight. If those attempts do not produce a confirmed, locked gear, you declare an emergency so ATC and rescue/ground services can give you priority and clear guidance, then you select the most suitable landing location available considering runway options, terrain, weather, obstacles, and your aircraft’s performance. This approach prioritizes safety, uses approved procedures, and avoids unnecessary risk from flying with uncertain gear status. Continuing to monitor the issue from a distance, returning to base without emergency clearance, or ignoring the problem until a failure occurs all fail to address the immediate risk and do not provide the required level of situational management.