The A320 landing gear system consists of nose landing gear and two main landing gear assemblies. The system is hydraulically operated for extension and retraction, with gravity extension as backup. Braking system includes normal brakes, alternate brakes, parking brake, and autobrake. Understanding gear operation, limitations, and emergency extension is essential for type rating.
Landing Gear Operation
- Normal Extension/Retraction: Green hydraulic system powers gear movement via landing gear lever
- Gravity Extension: Emergency extension using gravity and airflow if hydraulics fail
- Gear Doors: Automatically open during extension/retraction, close when gear locked down or up
- Indications: Three green lights (nose, left main, right main) when down and locked
Brake System
- Normal Brakes: Green hydraulic system with anti-skid protection
- Alternate Brakes: Yellow hydraulic system if green system fails (no anti-skid)
- Parking Brake: Yellow hydraulic accumulator pressure stored
- Autobrake: LO, MED, MAX settings for automatic deceleration after landing