FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Landing Gear SystemsEasy
A technician comparing two main landing gear tire constructions notes that one has plies running diagonally at alternating angles across the carcass, while the other has plies running straight across from bead to bead with stabilizer belts under the tread. What is the diagonal-ply construction called?
- ABias-ply tire
- BTubeless tire
- CRadial-ply tire
- DRetreaded tire
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Bias-ply tire
Bias-ply tires have cord plies laid diagonally across the carcass at alternating angles from bead to bead, giving strength in multiple directions, while radial-ply tires have plies running straight across with stabilizer belts.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Tubeless refers to the absence of an inner tube, not ply pattern.
- C. Radial construction uses plies running straight across, not diagonally.
- D. Retreading refers to replacing worn tread, not ply orientation.
Bias-Ply Tire Construction
A tire built with plies of cord fabric laid diagonally across the carcass at alternating angles between the beads, providing strength through crossed layers.
- Plies cross at alternating angles bead-to-bead
- Older/more common construction on many aircraft tires
- Contrasts with radial-ply which has straight plies plus belts
Memory trick: 'Bias crosses like an X, radial runs straight across'