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Why fixed skids suit helicopters

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 11 of 11 on Rotorcraft Fundamentals. ACS element AM.II.N.K5 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAccording to the airframe handbook, what characteristic of helicopters makes a set of fixed skids a common and functional landing gear?

  1. AThe need to absorb loads from high-speed landings
  2. BA requirement for steerable taxi wheels
  3. CHigh maneuverability and low landing speeds
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. High maneuverability and low landing speeds

  • A — incorrect High landing speeds are characteristic of faster fixed-wing aircraft; the skid arrangement is practical precisely because helicopter landing speeds are low.
  • B — incorrect Skids provide no steerable wheels at all; helicopters that need wheels are fitted with landing gear, some of it retractable.
  • C — correct The handbook states that helicopters have such high maneuverability and low landing speeds that a set of fixed skids is common and quite functional, with lower maintenance.

BACKGROUND

Not all aircraft landing gear are configured with wheels. Helicopters have such high maneuverability and low landing speeds that a set of fixed skids is common and quite functional, and it carries lower maintenance than a wheeled arrangement. A helicopter's landing gear can be simply a set of tubular metal skids, although many helicopters do have landing gear with wheels, some of them retractable. The same reasoning applies to free balloons, which fly slowly and land on wood skids affixed to the floor of the gondola. Other aircraft use pontoons, floats, or even skis where the operating surface calls for them.

STUDY TIP

Tie the gear choice to the flight profile: low touchdown speed and precise control remove the need for rolling gear, so simple tubular skids are enough.

KEY POINTS

  • Helicopter landing gear can be as simple as a set of tubular metal skids.
  • High maneuverability and low landing speeds make fixed skids practical, with lower maintenance.
  • Many helicopters still use wheeled gear, some of it retractable.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch01 "Landing Gear" and "Landing Gear or Skids" (sources/ama-airframe/ch01.txt)
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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.