Retractable gear operation

Complex aeroplane (CAR 400.01(1)) has all of:

• Flaps
• Constant-speed propeller
• Retractable gear (except a seaplane)

Retraction timing (TP 1102 Climbing; Type Conversion: Retractable Landing-Gear):

• Retract as soon as initial climb established (definite positive rate of climb), not while floating in ground effect.
• Retracting before climb assured: aircraft risks settling back with gear already coming up.
• Below freezing: avoid taxiing through puddles or slush; gear can freeze "up" once retracted.
• Gear wet or slush-covered: delay retraction a short time after take-off, or cycle it.

Verify position, don't assume it (TP 1102):

• Selector position does not prove gear moved: popped breaker or blown fuse can leave gear extended with selector up.
• Recheck position lights when power reduced for climb, or on after-takeoff check.
• Recheck on final as its own check item, not just habitual downwind lowering.

• Some panels dim gear lights with position lights, looking like no indication. Switch position lights off briefly to confirm.
• Dark light: may be burned-out bulb. Swap in known-good bulb before assuming gear fault.

Actuation (TP 1102): most gear hydraulic, electric, or a mix; some manually operated (mechanical).

Manual extension (TP 1102):

• Review emergency manual-extension method during pre-taxi cockpit check, not after light stays red in the air.
• Systems rarely fail, so pilots forget the procedure.

Forced landing (TP 1102 Type Conversion: Retractable Landing-Gear):

• Gear up: shallower glide, more distance.
• Extend at the right moment: steepens glide, sheds speed for touchdown.

Trap: trusting selector position as proof gear moved; only position lights, checked as own step, confirm it.

Practice