FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Landing Gear SystemsMedium
Which landing gear structural member primarily absorbs and transmits fore-and-aft (drag) loads generated during taxi, takeoff roll, and landing to the aircraft structure?
- ADrag brace (drag strut)
- BTrunnion pin
- CSide brace
- DTorque link
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Drag brace (drag strut)
The drag brace (drag strut) is positioned to resist fore-and-aft loads, transferring them from the shock strut into the airframe structure. The side brace resists lateral loads, the torque link keeps the piston aligned rotationally, and the trunnion pin serves as the pivot point for gear retraction.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The trunnion pin is the pivot axis for gear extension/retraction.
- C. The side brace resists side (lateral) loads, not fore-and-aft loads.
- D. The torque link prevents rotation of the strut piston, not fore-aft load transfer.
Drag Brace (Drag Strut)
A structural landing gear member oriented fore-and-aft that absorbs taxi, takeoff, and landing drag loads and transfers them into the airframe.
- Resists fore-and-aft loads
- Works with side brace (lateral loads) and trunnion (pivot)
- Often incorporates a downlock mechanism
- Failure can allow gear to collapse rearward or forward
Memory trick: Drag brace drags the fore-aft load away.