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Ground safety locks before entering a wheel well

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 2 of 17 on Landing Gear Systems. ACS element AM.II.E.R5 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA technician is about to enter the wheel well of a retractable gear aircraft. What must be verified first?

  1. AThat the gear selector is in the up position
  2. BThat the hydraulic reservoir is full
  3. CThat all ground safety locks are installed
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. That all ground safety locks are installed

  • A — incorrect Selecting up invites the retraction that the locks and safety switch exist to prevent while the aircraft is on the ground.
  • B — incorrect Fluid quantity says nothing about whether the gear can retract or collapse on the technician.
  • C — correct The handbook directs that during all inspections and visits to the wheel wells, all ground safety locks must be installed.

BACKGROUND

Landing gear safety devices exist mainly to keep the gear from retracting or collapsing while the aircraft is on the ground. A squat switch, or safety switch, opens and closes with strut extension and is wired into system circuits; on many aircraft a solenoid drives a lock-pin through the gear control handle so it cannot be moved to the up position while weight is on the wheels. Ground locks are separate external devices, such as pins placed in pre-drilled holes or clamps on the exposed piston of a retraction cylinder, used as extra insurance that the gear stays down and locked. The maintenance section states plainly that during all inspections and visits to the wheel wells, all ground safety locks must be installed. Retraction tests, by contrast, are performed with the aircraft on jacks and the system deliberately cycled while observers watch for security and proper operation.

STUDY TIP

Before any work under or inside a retractable gear aircraft, confirm the ground locks are in; do not rely on the squat switch alone.

KEY POINTS

  • Install all ground safety locks before entering wheel wells.
  • Ground locks are external pins or clamps that block the retraction mechanism.
  • The squat switch blocks gear retraction on the ground but is not a substitute for locks.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Landing Gear System Maintenance"
  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Landing Gear Safety Devices, Ground Locks"
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MORE ON LANDING GEAR SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.