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Auxiliary versus main landing gear

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 13 of 17 on Landing Gear Systems. ACS element AM.II.E.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn landing gear terminology, the term auxiliary landing gear refers to which gear?

  1. AThe two or more gear nearest the center of gravity
  2. BThe nose, tail, or outrigger gear
  3. CAny gear that retracts into the wing structure
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The nose, tail, or outrigger gear

  • A — incorrect That is the definition of the main landing gear, which are the two or more large gear located close to the aircraft's center of gravity.
  • B — correct The handbook states that references to auxiliary landing gear refer to the nose gear, tail gear, or outrigger-type gear on any particular aircraft.
  • C — incorrect Whether a gear retracts has nothing to do with the term; retractable gear of either group stow in fuselage or wing compartments.

BACKGROUND

The Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook-Airframe states that aircraft landing gear supports the entire weight of an aircraft during landing and ground operations. It divides the gear on an aircraft into two groups. Main landing gear are the two or more large gear located close to the aircraft's center of gravity. Auxiliary landing gear means the nose gear, tail gear, or outrigger-type gear of a particular aircraft. The handbook also counts shock absorbing equipment, brakes, retraction mechanisms, controls, warning devices, cowling, fairings, and the structural members necessary to attach the gear as parts of the landing gear system.

STUDY TIP

Learn main gear and auxiliary gear as a matched pair, keyed to the center of gravity, so a question naming one does not pull you toward the other.

KEY POINTS

  • Auxiliary landing gear means the nose, tail, or outrigger gear.
  • Main landing gear are the large gear near the center of gravity.
  • Brakes, retraction mechanisms, warnings, and fairings are all part of the landing gear system.

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.