Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam

When hydraulic pressure is lost, the landing gear typically operates in a way that ensures safety and the ability to land. In many aircraft systems, if the hydraulic pressure is lost, the landing gear is designed to automatically extend. This is due to a system of gravity or springs that facilitates the descent of the landing gear when hydraulic pressure, which is normally required to retract it, is unavailable. This design is crucial for preserving the airworthiness of the aircraft in the event of a hydraulic failure. The automatic extension of the landing gear creates a backup that enables the pilot to land safely, ensuring that the aircraft remains in a controllable state as it prepares to land. In contrast, scenarios where the gear remains locked, partially retracts, or stays in the UP position would not serve the safety protocols of aircraft operation. Such designs would not be consistent with the primary objective of ensuring that the landing gear is available and positioned correctly for landing, especially in emergency situations.