LANDING GEAR FOR AIRCRAFT

AIRCRAFT LANDING GEAR
Function Of a Landing Gear.Function Of a Landing Gear.
i. Support the static load of an aircraft on ground or water
during maneuver or in static condition.
ii. Provide a means of ground maneuver/taxiing.
iii. Absorb the landing shocks.
iv. Dampen the vibration.
v. Facilitate aircraft for take off and landing.
vi. Providing the aircraft the braking and steering functions.

Types of Landing Gear.Types of Landing Gear.
i. There are 3 basic types of landing gear that applied to the
surfaces, which is water, hard or earthen and snow or ice
surfaces.
ii. Each surfaces require a different type configuration of landing
gear.
1) Fixed or rigid type of Landing Gear.
2) Retractable Landing Gear.

Fixed or Rigid Landing Gear.Fixed or Rigid Landing Gear.
i. Aircraft that are not practical to be retracted are more suitable
to used rigid/fixed type of landing gear.
ii. It is usually equipped with cowlings or fairings known as:
1) Spats.
2) Speed Fairings.
3) Wheels Pants.

Fixed or Rigid Landing Gear.Fixed or Rigid Landing Gear.

Figure 1: Wheel Fairing
Figure 2: Wheel Pants

Retractable Landing Gear.Retractable Landing Gear.
i. Minimizing the amount of parasite drag by means of retracting
the landing gear to its designated compartment known as
“Landing Gear compartment” or “Wheel Well” area.
ii. Also contribute to more better and improved aircraft
performance.
Note: Extreme care is taken for landing gear because it received rough treatment throughout
operation such as frequent landing shocks an irregular contact with ice, dirt and
abrasive grit. By regularly washing, lubricating and servicing the landing gear, it
guards against corrosion, seizure of mechanical parts and failure of electrical
components.

Retractable Type Landing Gear.Retractable Type Landing Gear.

Arrangement Of Landing Gear.Arrangement Of Landing Gear.
i. Single Type LG.
ii. Double Type LG.
iii. Tandem Type LG (parallel to each other).
iv. Multiple or Bogie Type LG.

Figure 1: Single Type Landing Gear Figure 2: Double Type Landing Gear

Figure 3: Tandem Type Landing Gear Figure 4: Bogie Type Landing Gear

Multiple (Bogie/Truck) Landing Gear.Multiple (Bogie/Truck) Landing Gear.
i. The number of wheel determined by the gross design weight
of aircraft and the surfaces on which the loaded aircraft may
require performing landing.
ii. Advantages of multiple wheel type of landing gear:
1) Multiple wheels spread the aircraft weight over a larger area
of load distribution.
2) Providing safety margin in a case of one of the tire burst
during take off or landing.

Multiple (Bogie/Truck) Landing Gear.Multiple (Bogie/Truck) Landing Gear.
ii. Advantages of multiple wheel type of landing gear (cont):
3) Extra braking effort or efficiency of braking is accomplish by
the number of brake unit attached in each wheel.
ii. Disadvantages of multiple wheel type landing gear:
1) More moving parts and therefore require greater amount of
maintenance.
2) Tires tends to scrubs during turning maneuver.
3) Larger turning radius required to prevent or reduce tire wear
and therefore need a larger space for movement.

Landing Gear Wheels Arrangement.Landing Gear Wheels Arrangement.
i. Tail wheel /conventional type wheel:
1) Main landing gear are located ahead of the C of G with tail
wheel acts as auxiliary landing gear.
2) Steering the aircraft by means of tail wheel through the
application of brake by rudder pedal known as differential
braking.
3) Extra pilot skills is required to land the aircraft as aircraft
tends ‘ground loop’ and the C of G may swing ahead of main
wheel, which may cause abrupt uncontrolled change in
direction of aircraft in ground.

ii. Tandem type:
1) Main Landing Gear are located in line of the C of G, which is
under the fuselage and large wings is supported by out rigger
wheels.
ii. Tricycle type:
1) Main Landing Gear are located aft or behind C of G with nose
wheels acts as the steering and auxiliary gear.

Figure 1: Tail wheel/conventional type.

Figure 2: Tandem type.

Figure 3: Tricycle type.

i. Advantages of Tail / Conventional wheel arrangement :
1) Using a shorter runaway path cause as the tail down attitudes
gives a high drag after landing.
ii. Disadvantages of Tail / Conventional wheel arrangement :
1) Brake application must be delayed or monitored closely to
avoid the tendency to nose – over (nose tilt).
2) A pilot view is restricted when taxiing and great care during
taxiing is required,

iii. Advantages of tricycle wheel arrangement :
1) It allows more forceful application of the brake for higher
landing speed without nosing over.
2) It permits better visibility for the pilot during landing and
takeoff.
3) It tends to prevent aircraft ‘ground looping’ by moving the
aircraft C of G forward of the main wheels. Forces acting on
the C of G tends to keep the aircraft moving forward on a
straight line rather than ‘ground looping’.
Ground Looping – A sharp, uncontrolled change in direction of the aircraft on ground. Tail wheelGround Looping – A sharp, uncontrolled change in direction of the aircraft on ground. Tail wheel
type aircraft are highly subjected to ‘ground looping’ because of its C of G is located forward oftype aircraft are highly subjected to ‘ground looping’ because of its C of G is located forward of
the mainthe main wheels.wheels.

Note: With higher performance aircraft, drag becomes progressively important
and LG is retracted into wings or fuselage during flight. A retractable LG
however increase weight, more complicated and requires additional
maintenance.
The retractable tricycle arrangement of the LG is made up of several
assemblies and parts. These consists of air/oil shocks struts, main gear
alignment units, supports unit, retraction and safety devices, auxiliary
gear protective devices, nose wheel steering system, aircraft wheels
tires, tubes and aircraft brake unit/system.

Landing Gear Main Components.Landing Gear Main Components.
i. Torque Links/Torque Arms/Torsion Link (Scissors Assembly).
• Maintain wheel and axle in a correct aligned position in relation to
the strut (misalignment corrected by adding/installing a spacer or
shim of different thickness).
• Prevent ram of a piston turning in the struts.
• Restrict the extension of the piston during the extension of the
struts.

ii. Drag Link/Drag Struts.
• Stabilizing the landing gear and support the aircraft structure
longitudinally.
iii. Side Brace Link/ Side Struts.
• Stabilizing the landing gear and support the aircraft laterally.
iii. Overcenter Link/Downlock Struts/ Jury Struts.
• Holds the drag link and the side brace in the ‘DOWN’ and
‘LOCKED’ position by applying pressure to the center pivot joint
in a drag or side brace link. Operates hydraulically by bungee
cylinder or mechanically by bungee springs.

v. Trunnion.
• Supported at its end by bearing/bushing assemblies, which allow
the gear to pivot during retraction and extension (the struts form
the cylinder for the oleo pneumatic shock absorber).
v. Shock Struts.
• Vertical member of the landing gear assembly that contains the
shock absorbing mechanism.
v. Shimmy Damper.
• Hydraulic snubbing unit that reduces the tendency of the nose or
tail wheel oscillate from side to side (rapid oscillation).

viii. Actuator/Jack/Actuating Cylinder.
• Raise and lowering the landing gear. May also used as a
downlock mechanism (continuous application of pressure).
viii. UpLock Cylinder/UpLock Actuator.
• Locking the landing gear in ‘UP’ and ‘LOCK’ position.
viii. DownLock Cylinder/DownLock Actuator.
• Locking the landing gear in ‘DOWN’ and ‘LOCK’ position.

xi. Indicator (microswitches/ground safety switch/squat switch).
• Means of providing cockpit indication with regards to the landing
gear position, either ‘UP’ and ‘LOCKED’,’DOWN’ and ‘LOCKED’
or in transition and ‘NOT LOCKED’.
xi. Centering Cam.
• Aligning the nose wheel before retracted to ‘UP’ and back to its
wheel well compartment.
xi. Steering Actuator.
• Allowing the pilot to control or steer the aircraft by means of NLG
wheel assembly for taxiing.

xiv. Landing Gear Door Actuator.
• Allowing the opening or closing of landing gear door (main and
nose landing gear).
xiv. Emergency Lowering Mechanism.
• Providing the means of lowering down the landing gear in the
event of normal extension system fails (under FAR 23.729).

FIGURE 1FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4FIGURE 4

Figure 1: Centering Cam Mechanism .

Shock Struts/Oleo Struts.Shock Struts/Oleo Struts.
i. A type of hydro-pneumatic (oil & air) component.
ii. A device in an aircraft landing gear system that
absorbs the landing shock, which occurs when an
aircraft touches down when landing or during taxiing.

iii. Functions of a shock struts:
1) Absorbs and dissipating landing shocks incorporates of a
telescopic tube mechanism which absorbs landing shocks but
resist re-bound and at the same time protects the aircraft
structure.
2) Controlling the re-bound (spring back or recoil) movement.
3) Providing cushioning effects during taxiing .

iv. There are 2 types of shock struts:
1) Non – Absorbing Shock Struts.
2) Absorbing Shock Struts.
v. Non – Absorbing Shock Struts/Oleo Struts.
1) Rigid (Skid).
2) Spring Steel.
3) Composite.
4) Bungee Cord.

Rigid Type Shock Struts (non – absorb).Rigid Type Shock Struts (non – absorb).
i. Commonly found on helicopters (skid) and sail
planes.
ii. The struts is rigidly attach to the aircraft without no
specific components to cushion the ground contacts.
iii. The only way of cushioning is no more than through
the flexing of the landing gear or airframe structure
itself.

Figure A: Rigid Type (Skid).

Spring Steel Type Shock Strut (non – absorb).Spring Steel Type Shock Strut (non – absorb).
i. Usually employed at the main landing gear position
for light aircraft.
ii. The leg is consists of a tube, bar or a tapered spring
steel.
iii. The upper wide end is being attach by bolts to a
heavy structure of the aircraft under the cabin and the
lower end terminating in axle on which the wheel and
brake are assemble.

Spring Steel Type Shock Strut (non – absorb).Spring Steel Type Shock Strut (non – absorb).
iv. On ground contact during landing, the gear flexes and
stores the impact energy.
v. Periodically inspected for looseness of attachment
bolts, damage and corrosion by taking the load off the
wheel by means of jacking the aircraft.

Figure B: Spring Steel Type.

Composite Type (non – absorb).Composite Type (non – absorb).
i. The oleo struts/landing gear is basically made out of
composite material.
ii. It light in weight and generally used for less excessive
types of landing behavior.
iii. Usually employed/used by rotorcraft or helicopters.
iv. Possessing the same construction as rigid type.

Bungee Cord Type Shock Strut (non – absorb).Bungee Cord Type Shock Strut (non – absorb).
i. The structure of the landing gear is usually in the form
of tubular whenever a rubber cord is used as a shock
absorber.
ii. It is design and installed in such a way that the lever
action is applied to tightly wound rubber cord.
iii. The cord is stretch upon landing and during taxiing
and this landing impact (absorbed by the landing
shocks) and taxi shocks.

iv. Color coded is used to indicate year of manufactured,
the color coding is composed of threads that are
interwoven in the cotton sheath that bind the rubber
together.
v. Two spiral threads are used to indicate the year
coding and one is used to indicate the quarter of the
year and being repeated every 5 years.

Figure A : Shows the interwoven thread color coded for Bungee Cord.
YEARYEAR COLORCOLOR QUARTERQUARTER COLORCOLOR
1995 & 2000 BLACK 1ST
RED
1996 & 2001 GREEN 2ND
BLUE
1997 & 2002 RED 3RD
GREEN
1998 & 2003 YELLOW 4TH
YELLOW
1999 & 2004 BLACK

vi. Periodically the bungee cord should be inspected for
any aging marks, fraying of the braided sheath,
narrowing (necking) of the cord and wear at the point
of contact with the structure.
vii. Regardless of others factors, cord are recommended
for replacement for every 5 years of service.

Figure D: Bungee Cord Type.

Figure E: Bungee Cord Type.

Liquid Spring Type Shock Struts (Absorb).Liquid Spring Type Shock Struts (Absorb).
i. Utilizing the energy stored in compression of a liquid.
ii. Most liquids are known to be incompressible, but
liquid spring type struts uses ‘synthetic silicon’ base
fluid with molecules that are constructed larger than
usual.
iii. Fluid contraction is a problem as fluid volumes
changes at low temperature and effecting the oleo
performance.

Liquid Spring Type Shock Struts (Absorb).Liquid Spring Type Shock Struts (Absorb).
iv. Can only be pressurized while the aircraft is on jack
and the gear should be fully extended.
v. Equipped with a gland assembly that prevents
leakage of the cylinder contents whenever the
cylinder pressure is applied by the principle of
differential pressure.

Figure E: Liquid Spring Type.

Figure F: Gland Assembly.

Figure G: Recoil Liquid Spring (A + B).

Figure H: Recoil Liquid Spring (C + D).

Oleo – Pneumatic With Separator (Absorb).Oleo – Pneumatic With Separator (Absorb).
i. Consists of an outer cylinder in which slides a plunger
tube or lower cylinder.
ii. Lower cylinder is prevented from rotating by torsion
link secure to the outer cylinder.
iii. Lower cylinder contains a spring loaded flutter plate
which normally covers holes drilled through the head.

Oleo – Pneumatic With Separator (Absorb).Oleo – Pneumatic With Separator (Absorb).
iv. Small holes outside the diameter of the flutter plate
acts as a restrictor.
v. A floating separator in the lower cylinder separates
the oil from the gas (nitrogen).
vi. Top of the outer cylinder is closed and fitted with 2 oil
filler plug.
vii. Bottom of the lower cylinder is fitted with gas charging
valve.

Figure A: Oleo Pneumatic With Separator.

Figure B: Oleo Pneumatic With Separator.

Oleo – Pneumatic WithOut Separator (Absorb).Oleo – Pneumatic WithOut Separator (Absorb).
i. The most popular type of shock absorber which does
not use a separator to keep the oil separates from the
gas.
ii. Uses a metering pin that can be found in various
shapes (depends on the flow rates required) as a
replacement of the separator and with an orifice.

iii. Outer cylinder is fixed rigidly to the airframe structure
by 2 mounting bracket.
iv. Inner cylinder is free to rotate and moved up and
down within the outer cylinder.
v. Movement is limited by the ‘torque link’, which
connect the inner and the steering collar that are
located at the outer cylinder.

vi. A difference compared to oleo pneumatic with
separator is that the upper chamber in oleo
pneumatic without separator is filled with dry air
(nitrogen) but in oleo pneumatic with separator is
filled with oil (hydraulic fluid) and vice versa for the
lower chamber for each oleo pneumatic.

Figure A: Oleo Pneumatic WithOut Separator.

Figure B: Oleo Pneumatic WithOut Separator.

Figure C: Oleo Pneumatic WithOut Separator.

Oleo Pneumatic Shock Struts Construction.Oleo Pneumatic Shock Struts Construction.
i. Uses a compresses dry air (nitrogen) and hydraulic
fluid (mineral base type) to absorb and dissipate
shock loads.
ii. Shock struts are essentially made up of two
telescopic cylinder or tubes with externally closed
ends.

iii. The two cylinder known as cylinder and piston when
assembled will form an upper and lower chamber for
the movement of the fluid.
iv. The lower chamber is always filled with fluid while the
upper chamber contains compressed air (nitrogen).

Figure A: Oleo Pneumatic construction.

v. An orifice is placed between the two chamber (upper
& lower) and provides a passage for the fluid into the
upper chamber during compression and return during
the extension of the struts.
vi. Metering pin, that is a part of the piston is often used
for controlling or governing the rate of fluid flow from
the lower chamber into the upper chamber (varies in
cross section to provide different rate of flow during
compression strokes).

vii. A packing gland is design to seal off the sliding joint
between the upper and lower telescoping cylinder and
are installed in the open end of the outer cylinder.
viii. A packing gland wiper seals installed in a groove in
the lower bearing or gland nut to keep the sliding
surface of the piston or inner cylinder from entrance
of dirt or grit.

ix. Entry of foreign matter into the packing gland would
results in leakage.
x. It would result to decreasing the fluid and nitrogen
amount in the cylinder and could cause oleo
‘bottoming’.

Figure B: Oleo Pneumatic construction.

Oleo Pneumatic Operations.Oleo Pneumatic Operations.
i. During compression of the shock struts at
landing, the orifice provides a restriction of fluid
flow and this reduce the rate of which the piston
(located in the inner cylinder) can move into the
cylinder.
ii. This provides a cushioning effect to reduce the
shock of landing.
iii. As the fluid flow through the orifice into the
upper chambers, the air in the upper chamber is
compressed to the point that the entire weight of
the aircraft is supported by the air in the landing
gear strut.

iv. The extension stroke occurs at the end of the
compression as the energy stored in the
compressed air causes the aircraft to start
moving upward in relation to the ground (the
compressed air acts as a spring to return the
struts to its normal extension).
v. The rapid rebound or recoil of struts dampened
by forcing the fluid to return through the
restriction of the snubbing device (restricting the
rate of fluid flow from upper chamber to lower
chamber).

vi. The compressed air at rest then acts as a
shock absorber during the time that the
aircraft shock of landing.
Note: For efficiency operation of the shock strut,
the proper fluid level and air pressure must
be maintained.

Alignment Of Main Landing Gear.Alignment Of Main Landing Gear.
i. Alignment of main landing gear wheel should be
checked periodically I.A.W maintenance manual.
ii. The main function of wheel alignment is to assure
proper handling characteristic during taxiing, take-off
and landing.
iii. It is also a method to reduce the tendency of uneven
tire (more obvious to multiple type wheel
arrangement)

Alignment Of Main Landing Gear.Alignment Of Main Landing Gear.
iv. Wheel alignment generally checked for:
1) Camber – The amount of wheel are tilted or inclined from vertical
view, if the TOP of the wheel tilts outward the camber is
considered as ‘positive camber’ and if it is tilted inward the
camber is considered as ‘negative camber’.
2) Toe – The amount wheel deviate from a straight ahead condition
(the amount of wheel angled from the horizontal axis)
a) Toe In – The wheel try to move together as the front are closer together than
the rear (the extended longitudinal axis of the main landing gear wheel
assemblies will intersect forward of the aircraft).
b) Toe Out – The wheel try to move further apart as the front of the tire are
farther apart than the rear (the extended longitudinal axis of the main landing
gear wheel assemblies will intersect aft of the aircraft).

v. Wheel alignment for the ‘spring
steel’ landing gear are
achieved by adding or
removing shims between the
axle and the landing gear
struts.

vi. Wheel alignment for retractable
landing gear with oleo pneumatic
strut achieved by adding or
removing shims in between the
upper torque arm and the lower
torque arm link.
vii. The wheel alignment should be
within the tolerance specified in the
aircraft maintenance manual.

Retracting Landing Gear.Retracting Landing Gear.
i. Improving aircraft performance by reducing parasite
drag on the aircraft. The landing gear are being
retracted inside the fuselage or wing and generally
known as ‘wheel well’ or ‘landing gear compartment’.

ii. Methods system of retraction and extension of
retractable landing gear:
1) Mechanical type.
2) Electrical type.
3) Hydraulic type.
4) Pneumatic type.

iii. Electrical landing gear retraction system has the
following features:
1) A motor for converting electrical energy into rotary motion.
2) A gear reduction system for decreasing the speed and increasing
the force of rotation.
3) Other gears for changing rotary motion (at a reduced speed) into
push pull movement.
4) Linkage for connecting the push pull movement to the landing
gear shock struts.

Retraction System Operation.Retraction System Operation.
i. To lower the landing gear, the
pilot moves the landing gear
handle to the GEAR-DOWN
position and these events take
place.

ii. The landing gear handle
actuates a switch that turns on
the hydraulic pump motor in
the power pack so that it turns
in the direction shown by the
arrows in figure A.

iii. Fluid flow through the passage
and check valve on the right
side of the pump and around
the outside of the gears.
iv. The output from the pump
moves the gear-up check valve
piston to the right an unseat
the gear-up check valve.

v. The pump output then flows
down to the shuttle valve and
forces it to the left, opening the
passage to the gear-down side
of the actuating cylinder.

vi. Fluid flow into the down side of
the three actuating cylinder
and forces the pistons out. The
nose gear is much easier to
move than the main gears, so
the fluid flows into and out of
the nose gear actuating
cylinder through restrictor.

vii. Return fluid from the up side of
the actuator flows through the
opened gear-up check valve
back to the inlet side of the
pump.

viii. As each gear reaches its down
and locked position, the
pressure in the gear-down line
builds up and fluid is bypassed
back into the reservoir through
the low-pressure control valve.
When all three gears are down
and locked, limit switches turn
the pump motor off.

i. When the aircraft is in the air,
the pilot can retract the landing
gear by moving the landing
gear handle to the GEAR-UP
position, these events take
place.

ii. The landing gear handle
actuates a switch that turns on
the hydraulic pump motor in
the power pack so that it turns
in the direction shown in Figure
B .

iii. Fluid flow through the filter and
the check valve on the left side
of the pump, around the gears
and out the right side, down to
the gear-up check valve.

iv. The fluid from the pump moves
the gear-up check valve piston
to the left, and the fluid unseat
the ball and flow to the gear-up
side of each of the gear
actuating cylinders. The first
movement of the piston
releases the mechanical down
locks and allows the gear to
retract.

v. Fluid return from the gear-
down side of the actuator past
the shuttle valve, which the
spring has forced to the right,
back into the reservoir.

vi. This type of landing gear
system does not have any
mechanical up locks, but the
gear is held retracted by
hydraulic pressure. When all
three gears are fully retracted,
the pressure continues to build
up until it reaches a value that
opens the pressure switch and
shut the hydraulic pump motor
‘OFF’.

vii. If the pressure in the system
leaks down to a specific value,
the pressure switch will close
and start the pump so it will
restore the pressure to the
cutout value.

viii. Retractable Landing Gear are also provided with:
1) Mechanical locks to ensure that each undercarriage is locked
securely in the retracted and extended position.
2) Devices to indicates to the crew about the position of each
undercarriage.
3) Means by which the landing gear can be extended in the event
of hydraulic failure or electrical power source failure.
4) Means to prevent retraction when the aircraft is on the ground.
5) Means to guard against landing with the landing gear retracted.

Retractable Landing Gear Retraction Methods.Retractable Landing Gear Retraction Methods.
i. There are 4 types of retraction direction on a
retractable landing gear :
1) Rearwards retraction.
2) Sideward retraction.
3) Forward retraction.
4) Upward retraction.

1) Rearward retraction:
1) Could be used on nose landing gear, tail gear and main
alighting gear.
2) The disadvantage of this design is that the airflow could
not be used as an aid or assisting in emergency
extension.
3) Require back-up pressure system for emergency
extension case.

2) Sideward retraction:
1) Landing gear retracting inboard or outboard is used only
on ‘main landing’ gear application and are not suitable
to be used on ‘nose landing’ gear.
2) Fuselage does not allow any ‘nose landing’ gear or ‘tail’
wheel to be retracted in this direction (small structure,
electrical compartment, radar, etc).

3) Forward retraction:
1) Used generally on both landing gear, which is ‘nose
landing’ gear and ‘main landing’ gear.
2) Considerable effort required to retract (raise) the landing
gear with this methods because it’s against the airflow
during flight.
3) Airflow acts as an aids or assisting in emergency
extension of the landing gear with forward retraction.

3) Upward retraction:
1) The alighting is retracted upwards into the fuselage
known as ‘pod’ or ‘blister’.
2) Retracting the landing gear into the wing is not a viable
option due to the size construction of the landing gear.
3) Mainly used on high wing plane aircraft such as
‘Lockheed C-130’.

Retractable Landing Gear Retraction Methods.Retractable Landing Gear Retraction Methods.
ii. Factors that affecting retraction direction such as:
1) Main plane shape and the thickness.
2) Engine placement/location (at emphanage, under the
wing or inside the fuselage).
3) Landing speed attained.
4) Aircraft design gross weight.
5) Alighting gear type (single, double, tandem or multiple).

Retraction Test.Retraction Test.
i. Retraction test should be carried out as follows:
1) Replacement of a faulty landing gear compartment
(valves, switches, actuator, etc).
2) Adjustment of components related in the retraction
system.
3) After a hard landing or overweight landing occurs.
4) Whenever incorrect operation is reported or suspected
by aircraft personnel (pilot or engineer).

Functional checks during landing gear retraction test.Functional checks during landing gear retraction test.
i. Checks the undercarriage/landing gear for proper operation.
ii. Checks doors for correct operation and fits limits (flushed).
iii. Clearance in the wheel well bay with the landing gear
retracted and making due allowance for the effects of
centrifugal force on the tire diameter (in case of damaging any
hydraulic lines).
iv. Permissible retraction and extension time (also timed for ‘free
fall’).

Functional checks during landing gear retraction test.Functional checks during landing gear retraction test.
v. Checks linkages for correct adjustment and operation then
the securities.
vi. Locks, switches, warning devices, electrical and mechanical
indicators for correct indication and operation.
vii. Freedom from fouling during the retraction or extension
especially flexible pipeline.
viii. General smooth operation of all landing gear associates
mechanism.

Up Lock Mechanism Operation.Up Lock Mechanism Operation.
i. A mechanical lock, but actuates the releasing of
locking by means of fluid (hydraulic) pressure.
ii. Consisting of a spring loaded latch attached to the
airframe structure, which engages with pin in the
landing gear when it is being retracted.
iii. Fluid pressure applied simultaneously to the actuator
and lock the piston.

Up Lock Mechanism Operation (continued)Up Lock Mechanism Operation (continued)
iv. When the lock piston is moved, the pressure applied
will automatically releases the latch from the pin and
allowing the actuator piston rod to be extended.

Emergency Extension System Operation.Emergency Extension System Operation.
i. A means of extension of the landing gear and locking
it in down position in case of the main hydraulic
system fails on a certain causes.
ii. On some aircraft, the up-lock mechanism is release
by means of manual or by means of an emergency
pneumatic pressure system.
iii. The landing gear is free to fall under its own weight
and downlock engaged by ‘spring jack’.

Emergency Extension System Operation.Emergency Extension System Operation.
iv. On other aircraft meanwhile the landing gear is
extended by emergency pressure system that often
uses alternative pipelines/tubing to the actuator
(standby hydraulic system).
v. Hydraulic pressure for emergency system may be
supplied by means of hydraulic accumulator, hand
pump, pneumatic storage cylinder or electrical
powered pumps.

Landing Gear Positioning Indicator.Landing Gear Positioning Indicator.
i. An electrical indicating system is used to provide
visual indication to crew of the operation regarding
the LG locks and the position of the LG itself.
ii. Indicators are usually located in the cockpit or flight
compartment.
iii. ‘GREEN’ light is to indicate that the LG is ‘DOWN’
and in ‘LOCKED’ position.

iv. ‘RED’ light indicates the unsafe condition such as the
LG is ‘NOT DOWN’ and still in ‘UNLOCKED’ or
indicates that the LG is still in transition from ‘UP’ to
‘DOWN’ position or vice-versa.
v. ‘NO LIGHT’ will indicate that the LG is fully ‘UP’ and
‘LOCKED’.

vii. Gear warning devices are incorporated in all
retractable LG aircraft and usually consists of a horn
or some other aural device and ‘RED’ warning light (in
form of audio or visual warnings).

viii. The horns blow and the light comes on when the
airspeed decreases below the safe figure such as the
engine throttle is retarded or set to less than 1/3 (in
landing configuration) and the LG is in any position
other than ‘DOWN’ position as per required.

ix. On larger transportation aircraft provision is made for
the crew to examine the lock during flight in the event
of failure on in correct operation of the LG indicating
system.
x. When ever indicating system is used, it is important
that the microswitches are adjusted so that operation
of the indicating light coincides with the
corresponding position of the LG.

Safety Features In Landing Gear System.Safety Features In Landing Gear System.
i. The safety lock is consists of a spring loader plunger,
which retain the selector in the ‘DOWN’ position.
ii. It is being release by the operation of a solenoid.
iii. Electrical power to the solenoid is controlled by a
switch mounted on the shock strut.

iv. When the strut is compressed, the switch is ‘OPEN’
but as the struts extended after take-off, the switch
contacts close and the electrical supply to the
solenoid is completed and therefore releasing the
selector lever lock and allowing the LG to select to
‘UP’ position.

v. A means of overriding the lock such as separated
gate switch is provided for emergency use and
maintenance purposes.

Landing Gear Down Lock Mechanism.Landing Gear Down Lock Mechanism.
i. Hydraulic Downlock.
ii. Geometric Downlock.
iii. Mechanical Downlock.

Nose Landing Gear Steering System.Nose Landing Gear Steering System.
i. Ground steering of a small nose wheel aircraft is
accomplish by either a direct linkage to a rudder
pedals or by means of differential braking (castering
of a nose wheel).

ii. Free castering system ;
1) Some light aircraft the nose is free to caster.
2) This type of nose wheel steering system is controlled by the
aircraft brake system.
3) When the left brake or right brake is pressed or applied, the
aircraft will turn in the direction of the applied brake which is left
or right direction.
4) The rate of the turn can be determine or controlled by the amount
of pressure applied to the brake.

iii. Large aircraft is steered by means of hydraulic pressure (NLG
down pressure) in the steering cylinders.
iv. This large cylinder will acts as a shimmy dampers during
take-off and landing but acts as a steering cylinders when
aircraft is taxiing.
v. Fluid is then directed into and out of these cylinders by the
steering control valve that being moved by the application of
rudder pedals or a nose wheel steering.

vi. Nose wheel steering system consists of:
1) A cockpit control such as wheel, handle, levers or a switch to
allow starting and stopping and at the same time to control the
action system.
2) Mechanical (by means of cables), electrical or hydraulic
connection for transmitting cockpit control movements to a
steering control unit.
3) A control unit which is usually a metering valve or control valve.
4) A source of power, which is in most instances the aircraft
hydraulic system (NLG down pressure).

vi. Nose wheel steering system consists of (cont):
5) Tubing or hydraulic lines for carrying fluid to and from various
parts or components of the system.
6) One or more steering cylinders together with the required
linkages for using pressurized fluid to turn the nose gear (either
left or right).
7) A pressuring assembly to keep fluid in each steering that is
always under pressure thereby preventing shimmy.

vi. Nose wheel steering system consists of (cont):
8) A follow up mechanism consisting of gears, cable rods, drum or
bell crank for returning the steering control unit to neutral and
therefore holding the nose gear at the correct angle of turning.
9) Safety valves to allow the wheel to trail or swivel in the events of
hydraulic failure.

Nose Wheel Centering (Self Centering).Nose Wheel Centering (Self Centering).
i. The nose wheel must align themselves with the wheel
bay once the weight has been removed from them or
damage would occur when the undercarriage is
retracted.
ii. Nose gear shock struts are provided with an upper
locating cam that are attach to the upper cylinder and
mating to the lower locating cam that are attach to the
lower cylinder.

iii. Centering device includes an internal centering cam
which is to center the nose wheel as it is being retract
into the wheel well.
iv. During retraction of the nose gear the weight of the
aircraft is not supported by the struts.
v. The struts are extended by means of gravity and air
(nitrogen) pressure within the struts itself.

vi. As the struts extended, the raise area of the piston
strut will contact the slopping area of the fixed
centering cam and slides along it.
vii. In doing so, it will align itself with the centering cam
and rotates the nose gear piston into a straight ahead
position.

viii. A shimmy damper is installed to the NLG to acts as a
hydraulic snubbing unit which reduces the tendency
of the wheel to oscillates from side to side during
ground maneuver or what we called ‘shimmy’ (a rapid
violent side to side swing (oscillation) of a nose or tail
wheel while traveling forward at a certain speed along
the runaway).

Shimmy Damper.Shimmy Damper.
i. Types of shimmy damper:
1) Piston Type Shimmy Damper.
2) Vane Type Shimmy Damper.

i. Piston Type Shimmy Damper:
1) A simple type shimmy damper consists of a hydraulic
cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid and being divided into
two chambers by a piston with a bleed hole or an orifice,
which restrict the speed at which the piston can be
moved in the cylinder.
2) Piston rod is fitted to a stationary part of the nose gear
while the cylinder is attach to rotating or moving parts of
the gear.

i. Piston Type Shimmy Damper:
3) Restricted flow of the fluid has no effects on a normal
nose wheel steering but an oppose rapid movement of a
piston will prevent shimmy.

ii. Vane Type Shimmy Damper:
1) A type of shimmy that are design with a sets of moving
vanes and stationary vanes. The moving vanes are
mounted on a shaft extended outside of the housing.
2) When the shaft turns, the chamber between the vanes
changes size and therefore forcing hydraulic fluid from
one chamber to another.

ii. Vane Type Shimmy Damper:
3) The fluid must flow through restricted orifice, providing
dampening effects to any rapid movement of the vanes
in the housing. The body or housing is mounted on a
stationary part of the NLG and the shaft lever is
connected to the movement turning part of the NLG and
automatically will move the vane in the shimmy damper.
Note: Shimmy damper will not operates satisfactorily if there is present of air in the
cylinder and should be inspected frequently for any oil leaks and effectiveness of
its operation.

iii. Effects causes of NLG shimmy are:
1) Uneven tire pressure.
2) Uneven tire wear.
3) Incorrect wheel and tire diameter.
4) Incorrect balanced wheel.
5) Unserviceable wheel bearing.
6) Unserviceable bushing on the struts and its attachment.

iii. Effects causes of NLG shimmy are:
7) Worn shimmy damper attachment.
8) Wear in the steering linkages.
9) Wear in the torque links attachment and alignment.

iv. Design features incorporated in LG assembly to
eliminates shimmy:
1) Dual wheel arrangement.
2) Twin track wheels.
3) Castering wheel.
4) Hydraulic steering that acts as a damping unit.

v. Steer Damper
1) Hydraulically operated and accomplished the two
separate function of steering and/or eliminates shimmy.
2) Basically consists of closed cylinder and containing
rotary vane type working chamber (quite similar to vane
type shimmy damper) and valving devices.

AIRCRAFT LANDING GEAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY.AIRCRAFT LANDING GEAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
i. Wheel are usually made out of aluminum or
magnesium alloy and undergo the process of
forging and casting.
ii. Aluminum alloy wheel are being protected from
corrosion by performing anodizing.
iii. Magnesium alloy wheel are being protected from
corrosion by performing chromating.

iv. After the process of protection is done, the wheel is
painted.
v. If the protective finish is damage, it must be
restored immediately to prevent corrosion.
vi. Bead seat area is the flat surface on the inside of
the rims of an aircraft wheel on which the bead of
the tire sits on.

vii. It is the most critical parts of the wheel because the
areas are under high tensile load due to air
pressure in the tire and intensify by the landing
effects.
viii. It is rolled to pre-stressed the surfaces with a
compressive stress.

MAIN TYPE OF WHEEL CONSTRUCTIONS.MAIN TYPE OF WHEEL CONSTRUCTIONS.
i. Wheel Base Non Detachable Flange (Drop
Center).
ii. Well Base Removable Flange (Drop Center & Flat
Base).
iii. Split Or Divided Wheel.

i. Wheel Base Non Detachable Flange (Drop Center).
1) Well base wheel are only fitted on light aircraft and normally used
together with tube type tires.
2) Similar in construction of removable flange except the flange is
fixed.

ii. Well Base Removable Flange (Drop Center & Flat
Base).
1) Made out of one flange integral with hub and the other flange are
removable and retain by a locking ring.
2) When tire is inflated the flange covers the ring and trapping it in
the groove and preventing the flange from coming off from the
wheel.
3) An ‘O’ ring seal is fitted to provide air tight so tubeless tire can be
used with this type of wheel.

iii. Split or Divided Wheel.
1) Made up of two mating halves.
2) Connected by bolts passing axially through two parts.
3) An ‘O’ ring is fitted between the two halves when used with
tubeless tire.
4) As a safety precaution measure in case the bolts that hold the
wheel halves together have been damaged or weakened, the tire
have to be fully deflated before attempting to dismantle the unit to
relieve the strain.

iv. Beads seats area are usually rolled to pre-stress
their surfaces to increase its strength against
surface tension load
v. Inboard wheel half (towards the aircraft) is where
the location of bearing cone house, brake drive
blocks or keyways, fusible plug….etc.

vi. Outboard wheel half (away from the aircraft) is
where the location of inflation valve housing,
bearing cone, wheel cap with bracket to drove the
wheel speed sensor of anti-skid system to cover
the axle…etc.
vii. The bearing cup are usually shrink fitted into the
hub of the wheel casting and provide the surfaces
on which the bearing ride (cup is chilled prior to fit
into the cone).

viii. Removal of the bearing cup required heating of the
wheel in a boiling fluid (water) or in an oven with
temperature not higher than 2250
F for 30 minutes.
ix. Corrosion and loss of bearing lubrication are two
major causes of failure or rejection of an aircraft
wheel.

x. Wheel Bearing;
1) Bearing of an aircraft wheel are of the taper roller type.
2) It consists of a bearing cone, roller with retaining cage and a
bearing cup or outer trace.
3) Hub cap is used to keep dirt out of outside bearing while suitable
retainer is used to prevent grease from reaching the brake lining.
4) Felt seal are provided to prevent dirt from decayed/fouling
multiples brakes.

x. Wheel Bearing (continued);
5) Bearing should be cleaned and repacked with grease (high
melting & low freezing type) either by pressure equipment or by
hand periodically I.A.W applicable manufacturer manual.
6) The pressure methods (using grease gun for example) is
recommended because it is easier, faster and reduce the
possibility if contamination and also ensures a more even better
distribution within bearing.
Note: Bearing should be completely dry before packing them with grease. Dry the
bearings and the hub area with compressed air and try to exercise caution not
to spin the unlubricated bearings

xi. Wheel bearing gets contaminated or breaks down
from excessive heat and water.
xii. All wheel bearing should be lubricated at every tire
change and as per required by the applicable
maintenance manual.
xiii. Wheel bearing, bearing cup, wheel bores and
grease retainer should be clean by an appropriate
solvent.

xiv. Performing a visual; inspection of bearing. Bearing
cup, bearing retainer with 10X magnifying glass
and replace all worn, dented, scored or pitted
bearing cup.

xv. Wheel inspection:
1) Prior to inspection, wheel to be thoroughly clean with
Stoddard solvent or any approved or recommended
cleaning solvent.
2) Eddy current or ultra sonic flaw detection methods of
NDT should be carried out on the bead seat area.

xv. Wheel inspection (continued):
3) Magnetic particles inspection to be carried out on wheel
attachment bolts, junction of head and shank and the
end of threaded portion susceptible to crack and should
be inspected carefully.
4) Dye penetrate inspection should be carried out on bolts
holes.

BEARING DEFECTS & INDICATION.BEARING DEFECTS & INDICATION.
i. Galling – Damage cause by the rubbing of mating
surfaces. When localized, high spots rub against
each other becomes heated by friction and enough to
weld it together. As they continue to move, the
welded areas are pulled apart and destroyed some of
the surfaces.

ii. Spalling – Damage in which chips are broken from
the surface of a case hardened material such as
bearing race. Spalling occurs when the bearing race
is placed under a load great enough to distort the
softer inner part of the metal and cause the hard and
brittle surface to crack. Once a crack forms in the
surface, chips breaks out.

iii. Brinelling – Damage to the hardened surface of a
roller bearing or race caused by excessive radial
loads. When the bearing is overloaded, the roller are
forced into the race and they leave a small dips or
indentation in the race on the surface of the roller.

iv. Water Stains – Black discoloration on bearing races
and roller where the surfaces were in contact in the
presence of water. This discoloration is an indication
of intergranular corrosion within the material.
v. Overheating – Blue marks of the bearing roller
indicate that the bearing has been operated dry or
has been subjected to high rotational speed.

vi. Rust – Rough red deposits on any of the rolling
surfaces indicates that the bearing has been left
unprotected from moisture in the air. Rust leaves pits
that ruin the bearing surfaces.

AIRCRAFT BRAKE SYSTEM.AIRCRAFT BRAKE SYSTEM.
i. A mechanism to convert kinetic energy to heat
energy by friction.
ii. Brake system are designed to retard or stop the
aircraft motion on the ground.

iii. They are also an aid in controlling the direction of
aircraft while it is taxiing and application of brake
while the landing gear wheels are being retracted
into its wheel well in which provision exist for
applying either one or both brakes.

iv. Brakes can be applied by using the toe pedal
attached to the rudder pedals or by a handbrake
lever basically for the purpose of parking.
v. The greater the toe pedal applied, the greater will
be the pressure transmitted to the brakes.

vi. Composed of two sub – system, which is:
1) Brake actuating Unit - A system and a components that
slows down the aircraft movement and is located at the
wheel and converts or changing kinetic energy from the
motion of an aircraft into heat energy by means of
friction.

vi. Composed of two sub – system, which is:
2) Brake Actuating System – A hydraulic components in
the aircraft that allows the pilot to control the amount of
friction of a wheel unit produce.

BRAKE ACTUATING UNIT.BRAKE ACTUATING UNIT.
i. Energizing Brakes:
1) A brake that uses the momentum of the aircraft to
increase its effectiveness by wedging the shoe against
the brake drum.
2) Are also called ‘SERVO’ brakes.
3) There are 2 types of servo brakes and which is one way
or single servo and two way or dual servo.

i. Energizing Brakes (continued):
4) In single servo brake/one way servo brakes, the action
is effective or energize only when moving in the forward
direction of the wheel only.
5) In dual servo brake/two way servo brakes, the action is
effective or energize may be adjusted to give servo
action in either direction which is either forward or
backward direction of the wheel.

i. Energizing Brakes (continued):
6) This both types are supplied with either single brake
shoe or two brake shoe construction.

ii. Non - Energizing Brakes:
1) Most common type of brake used on modern aircraft.
2) This type of brake is actuated by hydraulic pressure.
3) Amount of braking action depends upon the amount of
pressure applied.

TYPES OF ENERGIZING BRAKES.TYPES OF ENERGIZING BRAKES.
i. Drum Type Brake:
1) Similar to those used on automobile.
2) In a form of dual/two way servo brakes.
3) Used on small aircraft is in a form of single/one way
servo brakes.
4) Have their shoe lining mounted on a torque plate in
such a way, it is the linings are free to move out against
the rotating drum.

i. Drum Type Brake (continued):
5) When the brakes are applied, two piston in the brakes
cylinder will move out and push the lining against a
cylindrical cast iron drum that rotates together with the
wheel.
6) Friction attempts to rotate the lining but they are held in
place by the cylinder assembly.

7) Rotation of the brake drum wedges the lining tightly
against the assembly.
8) When hydraulic pressure is release, the retracting
spring pulls the lining back from the drum and releases
the brakes.

9) One of the disadvantage is brake fading, which is the
friction produce, heats up the drum and causes the
open end of the lining to expand in a bell – mouthed
fashion.
10) The drum expends away from the linings and the friction
decreases.

TYPES OF NON - ENERGIZING BRAKES.TYPES OF NON - ENERGIZING BRAKES.
i. Single Disk Brake:
1) The most popular brake for modern light aircraft.
2) This type of brake is actuated by the hydraulic pressure
from the master brake cylinder.
3) Friction is produce when the rotating disk is squeezed
between two brake lining in the caliper.

i. Single Disk Brake (continued):
4) There are 2 types of single disk brake:
a) Floating disk/Fixed caliper – the disc is keyed into the wheel
and the disc is free to move in and out as the brake is being
applied.
b) Fixed disk/Floating caliper – the disc is rigidly attached to the
wheel and the caliper is free to moves in and out on two
anchor bolts.

ii. Dual Disk Brake:
1) Aircraft that need more braking force, rather than uses a
single disc brake, it uses a dual disc brake.
2) Similar to a single disc, except that two disc is rotating
with the wheel rather than only one disc.
3) There is a center carrier with brake lining pucks on both
sides between these disc.

iii. Expander Tube Brake:
1) Use a heavy and flat tube made out of synthetic rubber
compound (neoprene) and fabric.
2) It is stretched over a circular brake frame between the
side flanges.
3) Has a nozzle that is connected with the hydraulic fluid
line by means of suitable fittings.

iii. Expander Tube Brake (continued):
4) Brake block are made of material similar to that used for
molded brake lining.
5) The block have notches at each corner to engage with
lugs on the brake frame and to prevent movement with
the brake drum as it rotates.
6) There are grooves across the ends of each blocks and
the flat return springs are inserted in these grooves.

7) Ends of the spring fit into slots in the side flanges of the
brake frame, holding the block firmly against the
expander tube and keeping them from dragging when
the brake is release.
8) Hydraulic fluid expand the tube when the brake is
applied thus the expansion of the tube forces the block
radially outward against the rotating brake drum.

9) The lining provided friction and slows the aircraft
movement.
10) When the pressure is released, the flat spring (leaf
spring) in the ends of the block tends to force the fluid
out of the expander tube to pull the block away from
contact with the brake drum.

11) Used on small airplane as Piper Cub to Boeing B-29
Super Fortress bomber.
12) As a reminder, no pressure should be applied when
expander tube not restrained by drum brake, dummy
brake should be fitted when brake drum is removed for
servicing or maintenance purposes.

iv. Multiple Disc Brake:
1) ‘Thin Disc’ Multiple disc brake.
a) Was popular type of brake for heavy aircraft in WWII.
b) Provide maximum friction for minimum size and weight and
does not fade when the brake gets hot.
c) Disadvantages if this type of brake is the tendency of the disc
to warp up and causing the brake to drag and need manual
adjustment as the disc wore.

iv. Multiple Disc Brake (continued):
1) ‘Thin Disc’ Multiple disc brake (continued).
d) The brake has a series of steel disc called stator that keyed to
the axle.
e) A rotor or rotating disc that is made out of copper or bronze
rotates between each other.
f) The disc brake are approximately 1/8 of an inch thick and get
very hot when the brake is being used.

iv. Multiple Disc Brake (continued):
1) ‘Thin Disc’ Multiple disc brake (continued).
g) The disc form such solid mass of material that the heat has
difficulties of escaping.
h) If pilot sets the parking brake moment after using these
brakes, the brakes entrap heat will warp the disc.

2) ‘Segmented Rotor’ Multiple Disc Brake.
a) Is a heavy duty brakes designed for the use with high
pressure hydraulic system using power brake control valves
or power boost mater cylinder.
b) Braking action results from several sets of stationary high-
friction type of brake lining making contact with rotating (rotor)
segments.

2) ‘Segmented Rotor’ Multiple Disc Brake (continued).
c) Consisting of rotating disc or rotor that is keyed into the
wheel.
d) Between the rotors is a stator plate or brake lining that are
keyed to the axle.
e) Riveted to each side of each stator plate are linings or wear
pads that are made out of material that retain its friction
characteristic under the condition that are extremely high
temperature.

f) A pressure plate and a backing plate completes the brake
constructions.
g) An automatic adjuster is attach to the pressure plate and
pushes it back when the hydraulic pressure to the brake is
released.
h) When pressure is applied to the brake, the pressure plate
compressed the return spring on the indicator pin and as the
lining wears, the pin is pulled through its friction collar.

i) It is a pressed fit, so that as the brake is released, the grip of
the friction collar pulls the pressure plate back as much as the
adjuster housing will allow.
j) Each time brakes are applied, they automatically adjust for
the wear of each lining.
k) The amount the automatic adjuster pin sticks out of the
retainer housing is an indication of the condition of the brake
lining.

3) ‘Carbon Disc’ Multiple Disc Brake.
a) The latest development in aircraft brakes are multiple disc
brake that are made out of carbon composite materials.
b) The carbon composite brake weight 40% less.
c) Able to function in even higher temperature with more
reliability than the conventional steel segmented rotor brakes.

3) ‘Carbon Disc’ Multiple Disc Brake (continued).
d) 3 types of carbon fiber reinforcement can be used in carbon
disc brake in a process that can take up to 5 months to make
each carbon composite.
e) Carbon fibers are molded into precise shape and the resulting
disc then are baked in special ovens( autoclave), which
introduce natural gas.

f) Carbon composite posses several unique properties that
permits the combining of the overall brake disc function of
friction surface, heat sink and structural member into a single
unit.
g) These unique properties are:
→ Strength does not decrease at elevated temperatures.

g) These unique properties are (continued):
→ When rubbed against itself, can perform excellent as a
friction material.
→ High temperature usage (between 3200F to 3400F).
→ Good thermal conductivity characteristic that serve to
dissipate the heat rapidly.

g) These unique properties are (continued):
→ Less weight compared to steel disc.
→ Offers reduced maintenance cost (carbon brake disc
averagely make approximately between 1200 to 1500
landing a year, but steel brake just approximately 100
landing a year).
→ Used to be a standard equipment for ‘Concorde’ aircraft.

BRAKE ACTUATING SYSTEM.BRAKE ACTUATING SYSTEM.
i. Independents Brake System:
1) Usually found on small aircraft and this systems is a self
contained and independent of the aircraft main hydraulic
system.
2) The system consists of:
• A reservoir.
• A master cylinder operated by the brake control pedal or hand
brake or a handle.

i. Independents Brake System (continued):
2) The system consists of (continued):
• A brake assembly on the wheel.
• Fluids line, hoses and fittings.
3) Expander tube, shoe or disc brake assemblies may be
used with this type of system.
4) This system is usually incorporated with a ‘compensator
port’

i. Independents Brake System (continued):
Compensator Port – A small hole between a hydraulic brake master
cylinder and the reservoir. When the brake pedal is released, this
ports uncovered and the pressure on the fluid in the line to the brake
master cylinder is the same as the atmosphere pressure. When the
brake is applied, the master cylinder pistons covers the compensator
port and allows pressure in the line to the brake to built up and
simultaneously applied the brake.

ii. Boosted Brake/Power Boost System:
1) Used on aircraft that require more braking force than
manually applied independent brake master cylinder
can produce, yet do not need a complex power brake
system.
2) Operated by a toggle switch that allows the aircraft
hydraulic system to flow to the brake and assist in
braking when extra braking load is required.

ii. Boosted Brake/Power Boost System (continued):
3) Acts as an independents brake system during normal
brake pressure requirement and acts as power brake
system during high brake load required.
4) The boosted brake or powered boost brake operates
when pilot depress the brake pedal and when more
pressure is needed at the wheel, pilot will pressed
harder on the brake.

5) The action by the pilot is considered as an additional
movement and causes the toggle on the brake master
cylinder to depress the spool valve which allows
hydraulic system pressure to flow through the center of
the spool valve and get behind the piston and help on
applying the brakes.

6) As soon as the pedal released, the spool valves moves
back to its original configuration and shutting off the
hydraulic pressure to a normal pressure.
7) Fluid in the brake line is allowed to return to the
reservoir through the system return manifold.

iii. Power Brake System:
1) A system that is being used on large aircraft that
requires more fluid and more pressure that can be
supplied by independent master cylinder or required a
greater displacement and higher pressure.
2) The brakes for these aircraft are actuated by pressure
supplied from the main hydraulic power system of the
aircraft.

iii. Power Brake System (continued):
1) Power brake control valves operated by the pilot will
metered the pressure to give pilot the control of the
braking action.
2) The brake pedal is connected to the power brake
control valve through an arrangement of cables, pulley,
bell crank and linkages.

iii. Power Brake System (continued):
5) Power brake control valve is also called ‘brake metering
valves’.
6) Power brake control valve direct hydraulic pressure to
the brake assemblies when the pilot depress the brake
pedal.
7) Pressure acting on the spool valve and the spring of the
brake control valve creates a return force varies with
braking and also providing an artificial feel at the pedal.

iv. De – Booster Valves:
1) Hydraulic system pressure is normally too high for
effective braking action.
2) These system are installed by means of reducing the
pressure and increasing the volume of fluid going to the
brakes.
3) De-Booster is usually installed between the antiskid
valve and the wheel cylinder.

iv. De – Booster Valves (continued):
1) On some large aircraft, de-booster has a lock-out
features that allows them to acts or double as a
‘hydraulic fuses’.

PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM.PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM.
i. Sub-assemblies of an hydraulic brake system. The
parking brake control is consists of either pull
handle or lever.
ii. When the brake pedal are depressed and the
parking brake lever is pulled, the brake is locked in
‘ON’ position.

PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM (continued).PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM (continued).
iii. Depressing the brake pedals again will release the
brake (depressing the pedal, is either causing the
pressure to build up and automatically unseat the
parking brake valve or unload the ratchet type
parking lock).

PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM (continued).PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM (continued).
iv. The setting of a parking brake mechanism while
the brake is hot may cause serious damage and
the brake should be cool of before attempting to
put the parking brake ‘ON’.

BRAKE WEAR CHECK.BRAKE WEAR CHECK.
i. Lining wear may be checked by two methods or
refer to the applicable maintenance manuals and
used as recommended methods by the
manufacturers.

BRAKE WEAR CHECK (continued).BRAKE WEAR CHECK (continued).
ii. With the brake applied, measure the distance
between the face of the brake disc and brake
housing. Replace brake lining if the distance has
progressed to the maximum specified
measurement given in the maintenance manuals.

BRAKE WEAR CHECK (continued).BRAKE WEAR CHECK (continued).
iii. With the brake applied, check the position of the
automatic adjusting pins. Replace any brake lining
if adjusting pin recedes beyond the specified limit
inside the adjusting pin nuts.
NOTE: If any linings or pucks has worn to the thickness that are required
to be replace, the entire sets of lining must be replaced. Never mixed
the new and the used lining.

AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM.AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM.
i. A system that permits braking at a preset
deceleration rate that will be control automatically
after touchdown (landing).
ii. The system will direct the correct amount of
pressure to the brakes to achieves the desired rate
of deceleration.

AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM (continued).AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM (continued).
iii. The brake pressure will be decreased
automatically to compensate for the deceleration
caused by the thrust reverser or speed brakes or
both at the same time.
iv. Anti –skid protection is provided during an
autobrake operation.

AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM (continued).AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM (continued).
v. Disarming of the autobrake immediately is occur of
the following action is taken:
• The selector switch of an auto brake is moves to ‘DISARM’ or
‘OFF’ position.
• Manual braking is used.
• Advancing either thrust lever (throttle increasing).
• Speed brakes lever to ‘DOWN’ detent and the speed brake is
deployed.
• Auto brake system or anti-skid system fault occur/malfunction.

EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM.EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM.
i. To prevent the lost of life or damage to the aircraft
if the normal hydraulic brake system fails and the
pilot must be able to stop the aircraft.
ii. Pneudraulic – System that separates from the
normal hydraulic system. This function operates in
a case of hydraulic failure. By means of a
pneumatic valve on the instrument panel should
the back – up system be operated.

EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM (continued).EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM (continued).
iii. Hydraulic – An alternate hydraulic system
incorporated with hand pump or accumulator or
auxiliary hydraulic pump.
PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK

BRAKE DEFECTS.BRAKE DEFECTS.

BRAKE DEFECTS (continued).BRAKE DEFECTS (continued).

BRAKE BLEEDING.BRAKE BLEEDING.
i. Brake bleeding methods:
1) Gravity or Manuals methods.
2) Pressure methods.
ii. Bleeding precautions:
1) Be certain that bleeding equipment to be used is
absolutely clean and is filled with the proper and correct
type of hydraulic fluid.

BRAKE BLEEDING.BRAKE BLEEDING.
ii. Bleeding precautions (continued):
1) Maintain an adequate supply of fluid during the entire
operation. A low fluid supply will allow air to be drawn
into the system.
2) Bleeding should be continue until no more air bubbles
are expelled from the system and firm brake pedal is
obtained.
3) After the bleeding operation is completed, checks the
reservoir for fluid level. With the brake pressure ‘ON’,
check the entire system for any leaks signs.

ANTI – SKID SYSTEM.ANTI – SKID SYSTEM.
i. Purposes:
1) An electro hydraulic system in the aircraft power brake
system that sense deceleration rate of every MLG
wheel.
2) If any wheel decelerates to rapidly, indicating an
impending skid, pressure to that brake is released and
the wheel stop decelerates.
3) Pressure is then re-applied at a slightly lower rate.

i. Purposes (continued):
4) To assist the pilot in providing optimum braking when
aircraft lands.
5) To prevent skidding of aircraft when applying brakes.
6) 4 function of anti – skid system:
• Normal skid control.
• Locked wheel skid control.
• Touchdown protection.
• Fail – safe protection.

ii. Constructions:
1) The system consisting of 3 major components and
which is:
• Wheel Speed Sensor.
• Anti – Skid Control Unit.
• Anti – Skid Control Valve.

1.1. Wheel Speed Sensor.Wheel Speed Sensor.
a) To sense the rate of change of wheel deceleration.
b) Using the principle of DC / AC generators.
• DC generators ►►permanent magnet type.
• AC generators ►► variable reluctant type.
c) Output of the wheel speed sensor is approximately 1 volt
for every 10 mph and is fed to an anti – skid control unit.
d) Wheel speed sensor is located in every wheel in LG (not
installed in NLG).

2.2. Anti – Skid Control Unit.Anti – Skid Control Unit.
a) Usable electrical output of DC to the anti – skid control
valves.
b) Produce to regulate brake pressure using a modulator
circuit.
c) To prevent application of brake pressure prior to
touchdown.

2.2. Anti – Skid Control Unit (continued).Anti – Skid Control Unit (continued).
d) Consists of modulator circuit monitors the current to flapper
for the wheel to spin up.
e) An amplifier circuit is to maintain a certain amount of
pressure in the control valve.
f) Skid detector is to compare the wheel deceleration rate to
the reference and that is between 15mph – 20mph.

3.3. Anti – Skid Control Valve.Anti – Skid Control Valve.
a) To control the flow of hydraulic from the control brakes
valve to the brake cylinder.
b) It has 3 ports which is pressure, return line and brake line.
c) Its compromise of 2 stages:
• 1st
Stage – Electrically stages/servos (torque motor or flapper
valve operations).
• 2nd
Stage – Hydraulically operated by a spool valve (spool
valve is used to close/open return line or brake cylinder port).

OPERATION OF ANTI – SKID UNIT.OPERATION OF ANTI – SKID UNIT.
1. When aircraft is about to land, the locked wheel detector unit
sends the signal to control valve, to release the pressure on
the wheels.
2. When aircraft lands, the squats switch will remove the release
signal to the control valve.
3. Wheel speed sensor will sense a signal to the control valve to
apply full pressure to brake.

OPERATION OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).OPERATION OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).
4. When one of the wheel starts to decelerates greater than
reference 20mph and error signal will be fed to the control
valve to modulate the brake pressure so that only a small
amount of brake pressure applied to the brake while the rest
is dumped to the return line.
5. Reason for dumping is to allow the wheel to spin up. The
process of applying full pressure braking and release when
about to slip goes on until the wheel speed is below 20mph
and then the skid detector is disconnected.

OPERATION OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).OPERATION OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).
6. If an autobrake is incorporated, it will disconnect when wheel
speed is less than 20mph.
7. The modulator type of anti – skid system is the best where it
provide:
i. Fastest wheel recovery.
ii. Shortest distance braking capabilities.

TESTING OF ANTI – SKID UNIT.TESTING OF ANTI – SKID UNIT.
1. Testing is provided by means of test switches or control
switches.
2. It also can be tested on the ground and also in flight. If on
ground, the light will illuminates once the brake is applied and
when in flight there are no light illuminates.
3. Wheel speed sensor produce 1 volt when aircraft speed is
10mph.
4. Reference deceleration is 20mph incorporated in the skid
detector by the anti – skid unit.

TESTING OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).TESTING OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).
5. If wheel speed deceleration rate is greater than 20mph
(example: initial touchdown is 100mph after a while the speed
is 80mph), correction is required by reducing pressure to the
brakes (example: some pressure will be fed to the return line).
6. If one of the wheel decelerates less than 10mph, full dumping
of pressure to return line is exercise for the wheel to spin up
(only on that particular wheel).
7. If all the wheel speed is 20mph or less, the anti – skid unit will
automatically de – activated.

TESTING OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).TESTING OF ANTI – SKID UNIT (continued).
8. The best anti – skid system use in the new generation aircraft
is the ‘modulator anti skid’ system.
9. Failure of the anti – skid system is indicated by the anti – skid
failure ‘RED’ light.

AIRCRAFT TIRE.AIRCRAFT TIRE.
i. Aircraft tire are built to withstand a great deal of
punishment, but only by proper care and
maintenance that tire can give safe and defendable
service (accept a variety of static and dynamic
stress dependable in wide range of operation
conditions).

ii. Aircraft tire are design in such a way that it can
withstand landing speed up to 250mph and
dynamic load of 22 – 33 ton of load.
iii. There are several type of aircraft tire and class as
types:
• Types I, II, IV and VI (phased out/amend or stop
production)
• Type III, VII and VIII.

iv. Types III:
• Low pressure and generally used on small aircraft.
• The section width wider in relation to bead diameter to allow
lower inflation pressure for improved cushioning and
floatation.
• Section width and rim diameter are used to designate the size
of the tire.

v. Types VII:
• Extra speed (horse power rating) and high load carrying
ability.
• Tire designated by outside diameter and width.
v. Types VIII:
• High performance and extremely high take – off speed.
• Extra high inflation pressure and have a low profile
configuration tire.

vii. Advantages and purposes:
• Provide cushion of air that helps absorbs the shock and
roughness of landing and take – off.
• Provide necessary traction for braking purposes and assisting
in stopping the aircraft on landing.
• Support the weight of the aircraft while on ground.

TUBELESS TIRE.TUBELESS TIRE.
i. Similar in construction to the tube tires except they
have a rubber inner liner that is mated to the inside
surface of tire.
ii. The rubber liner helps retain air in the tire.
iii. The beaded area of the tubeless tire is designed to
form a seal with the wheel flange.

iv. Wear indicator have been built into some of tires as
aid in measuring tread wear, and these indicators
are holes in the tread area or lands in the bottom of
tread grooves.
v. Advantages of tubeless tire:
• Air pressure retained longer because inner lining is unstretch.
• Penetration by sharp object will not cause rapid loss of
pressure because lining clings closely to the object and
prevent loss of air.

v. Advantages of tubeless tire (continued):
• More resistant to impact blows because of thicker casing, the
lining helping to distribute the stress.
• Inflation valve creep is eliminated.
• 10% cooler than the conventional (tube tires) tire.

TIRE CONSTRUCTIONS.TIRE CONSTRUCTIONS.
i. Bead – made of multiple strands of high tensile
carbon steel wires embedded in rubber and
wrapped in open weave fabric, the beads hold the
tire firmly on the rims and serve as an anchor for
the fabric plies that are turned up around the bead
wires. The carcass plies provide form mounting
surfaces on the wheel.

TIRE CONSTRUCTIONS (continued).TIRE CONSTRUCTIONS (continued).
ii. Apex strip – An additional rubber formed around
the bead to give a contour for anchoring the ply
turn – ups.
iii. Flipper (filler strips) – The layers of fabric and
rubber insulate the carcass from bead wires and
improve the durability.

iv. Chafers / chafing strips – layers of rubber impregnated
woven fabric wrapped around the outside of the beads,
provide additional rigidity to the bead and prevent metal
wheel rim from chafing the tire that protects the carcass
from damage during mounting and de-mounting. They
insulate the carcass from brake heat and provide a good
seal against movements during dynamic operations.
Tubeless tire have an additional ply of rubber over the
chafing strip to function as an air seal.

v. Breakers (breakers strip) – one or more plies of
cord of woven fabric (nylon) impregnated with
rubber, used between the tread rubber and they
cord to provide extra reinforcement to prevent
bruise and damage to the tire (protect casing plies
and strengthen tread area). Breaker are not part of
cord body.

vi. Bead Toe – The inner edge closest to the tire
center line.
vii. Bead Heel – The outer bead edge.

viii. Carcass / Cord Body/ Casing Plies – provides basic strength to
the tire, consists of multiple layer of nylon with individuals cords
arranged parallel to each other and completely encase in
rubber (rubberized fabric). The cord fabric has a strength in
only one direction, each layer of coated fabric constitutes on ply
of the cord body. Adjacent cord plies in the body are assemble
with the cords crossing at nearly right angles at each others.
This arrangement provides a string and flexible tire that
distributes impact shock over wide area. The function of the
cord body are to give the tire a tensile strength, to resist
internal pressure and maintain tire shape.

TIRE CONSTRUCTIONS.TIRE CONSTRUCTIONS.

ix. Ply rating – the rating of an aircraft tire that
indicates its relative strength. The ply rating does
not indicate the actual number of plies of fabric in
the tire, rather it indicates the number of plies of
cotton fabric needed to produces the same
strength as the actual plies. Higher the rating, the
greater the load a tire could carry. Maximum static
load an inflation pressure determined ply rating of
an aircraft tire.

x. Tread – layer of rubber on the outer surface of the
tire protects the cord body from abrasion, cut
bruises and moisture. It is the surface that contact
the ground, made of rubber compound for
toughness and durability, the tread is patterned in
accordance with aircraft operational requirements.
The circumferential pattern of grooved in the tread
are designed to provides good traction under
widely varying runway conditions.

xi. Sidewall – an outer layer of rubber adjoining the
tread and extending to the beads, like the treads it
protects the cord body from abrasion, cut bruises
and moisture.
xii. Inner liner – On tubeless tire these inner layer of
less permeable (porous) rubber acts a built in
tuber, it prevents air from seeping through casing
plies. For tube tire a thinner rubber liner is used to
prevent tube chafing against the inside plies.

TIRE SIDEWALL MARKINGS.TIRE SIDEWALL MARKINGS.

AIRCRAFT TIRE TREAD PATTERN.AIRCRAFT TIRE TREAD PATTERN.
i. Ribbed – a very common pattern. Provides a good
combination of long tread wear, good grip and
directional stability especially on hard runaways.
ii. Diamond or block pattern (all weather) – widely
used and gives good performance on all type of
surfaces. Suitable for turf or packed earth airstrip.

iii. Plain tread – Use on some light aircraft and
helicopters.
iv. Twin contact – Used on nose wheel in preventing
nose wheel shimmy.

v. Chined – Some nose wheel tires are fitted with a
water deflector or chine on the side wall, to deflect
water away from rear mounted engines. The
deflector maybe on one side for twin wheel
installation or on both sides for single wheel
installation. Water dispersing tread having many
holes in the crown are sometimes used to help
prevent ‘aqua planning’

AIRCRAFT TIRE WEAR.AIRCRAFT TIRE WEAR.
i. Patterned tread tires maybe used until the tread is
worn to the depth of the pattern.
ii. Ribbed tires with marker tie bars maybe used until
worn to the top of the tie bars.
iii. Ribbed tires without marker tie bars maybe used
until worn to within 2mm (0.080”) of the wear
indicator grooves.

iv. Twin contact tire maybe used until center of the
crown shows sign of having been contact with the
ground.
v. Plain tread tires maybe used until either the grey
cushion rubber is exposed or when the shades of
the casing cords can be seen through the cushion
rubber.

NOTE : On tire reinforced treads, several layers of
fabric are molded into the treads rubber and will
becomes visible during normal use, the treads so
exposed should not be confused with the casing
cords. These tires are provide within marker tie bars
which should be used to assess the wear

AIRCRAFT TIRE WEAR (continued).AIRCRAFT TIRE WEAR (continued).

LANDING GEAR FOR AIRCRAFT

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LANDING GEAR FOR AIRCRAFT