During landing gear inspection, what specific functional check is essential besides looking for leaks or cracks?

• A. Struts extend and retract properly.
• B. Tire wear is the only concern.
• C. Gear doors must be closed at all times.
• D. No checks beyond visual inspection.

Answer: (D)

Verifying the gear’s operational ability is essential. The key functional check is that the landing gear struts extend and retract properly. This confirms the hydraulic system and mechanical linkages are working, ensuring the gear can deploy for landing and stow correctly in flight, with proper locking in the down position. Visual inspection for leaks or cracks covers condition, but it can’t reveal if the gear actually moves and locks as it should. Tire wear matters, but it isn’t the only concern; gear doors should also coordinate with the struts, but the core test is the actual extension and retraction movement. Skipping functional testing in favor of only visual checks would leave the aircraft without a verified operational gear system.