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Amphibious landing gear

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 4 of 17 on Landing Gear Systems. ACS element AM.II.E.K12 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhat landing gear arrangement allows an aircraft to land on both water and dry land?

  1. ARetractable skis over fixed wheels
  2. BPontoons with extendable wheels
  3. CSkids mounted ahead of the main wheels
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Pontoons with extendable wheels

  • A — incorrect A ski and wheel combination serves slippery frozen surfaces and dry runways, not water.
  • B — correct Amphibious aircraft use gear featuring pontoons for water landings with extendable wheels for landings on hard surfaces.
  • C — incorrect Skids are used on helicopters, balloon gondolas, and the tail area of some tail draggers, and offer no water capability.

BACKGROUND

The type of landing gear an aircraft carries depends on its design and intended use. Most gear uses wheels for operation from hard surfaces, while skids appear on helicopters, balloon gondolas, and the tail area of some tail draggers. Aircraft that work from frozen lakes and snowy areas may be fitted with skis, and aircraft that operate from water use pontoon-type gear. Combinations of two types are common: an amphibious aircraft has pontoons for water landings plus extendable wheels for hard surfaces, and a similar arrangement lets an aircraft use skis on frozen surfaces and wheels on dry runways, with the skis typically retractable.

STUDY TIP

Read the surface named in the stem first: water points to pontoons, snow and ice to skis, and both surfaces to a combination gear.

KEY POINTS

  • Amphibious gear combines pontoons with extendable wheels.
  • Skis, often retractable, pair with wheels for frozen surfaces and dry runways.
  • Skids are used on helicopters and some tail installations.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Landing Gear Types"
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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.