FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Landing Gear SystemsMedium
During an approach with the landing gear retracted, a pilot retards the throttles below approach power. Which system alerts the pilot to this unsafe gear configuration?
- ASquat (weight-on-wheels) switch alone
- BAnti-skid system
- CShimmy damper
- DLanding gear aural warning horn
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Landing gear aural warning horn
The landing gear warning horn is triggered by a throttle-position switch (and/or flap position) when power is reduced below a set threshold while the gear is not down and locked, alerting the pilot before landing. The anti-skid and shimmy damper systems are unrelated to gear position warnings.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The squat switch senses weight on wheels but is not the direct trigger for the throttle-based horn.
- B. Anti-skid modulates braking pressure and has no connection to gear position warnings.
- C. The shimmy damper controls nose wheel oscillation, unrelated to warnings.
Landing Gear Warning Horn
An aural alert triggered by throttle (and/or flap) position when the landing gear is not down and locked at low power settings, warning of a possible gear-up landing.
- Activated by throttle lever position switch
- May also be tied to flap position
- Alerts pilot before landing with gear retracted
- Separate system from squat switch weight sensing
Memory trick: Throttle back, horn honks back if gear's not down.