FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Aircraft SystemsHard

During landing gear extension, a pilot places the gear selector down but the cockpit indicator shows a red/unsafe light instead of three green lights. This indication most likely means:

  1. Athe landing gear is fully retracted and locked
  2. Bat least one landing gear leg is not down and locked (in transit or unsafe)
  3. Cthe cabin pressurization system has failed
  4. Dthe constant-speed propeller governor is malfunctioning
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. at least one landing gear leg is not down and locked (in transit or unsafe)

A red or amber unsafe indicator light illuminates when a gear position switch senses that a gear leg is not fully extended and locked, alerting the pilot to a potential unsafe landing gear condition requiring troubleshooting or use of emergency extension procedures.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Full retraction would typically be shown by a different indication (gear up light), not an unsafe red light during extension.
  • C. Pressurization failures are unrelated to landing gear position indicators.
  • D. Propeller governor issues have no connection to gear position indication.

Gear Unsafe/In-Transit Indicator

A cockpit warning light (often red) that illuminates when a landing gear leg is not confirmed down and locked, distinct from the green safe indication.

  • Green lights confirm gear down and locked
  • Red/amber indicates unsafe or in-transit gear
  • Pilots should follow emergency extension checklists if unsafe indication persists

Memory trick: Green means go-down-safe, red means recheck.

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