Definition
A landing gear configuration in which the wheels remain permanently extended in the airstream and cannot be retracted into the airframe during flight.
Plain English
The wheels stay down all the time. They don't fold up into the aircraft after takeoff.
Context Anchor
Seen when learning about airplane landing gear, preflight checks, and the differences between airplanes with wheels that stay down and airplanes with wheels that can be raised.
Derivation
"Fixed" comes from the Latin fixus, meaning fastened or set in place. The gear is fastened in the down position and stays there.
Why Pilots Care
Fixed gear reduces complexity and weight but increases drag, affecting cruise speed and fuel efficiency compared with retractable systems.
Intuition Check
Fixed does not mean repaired here. It means the landing gear stays in one position and does not retract during normal flight.
Example Sentence 1
The Cessna 172 has fixed gear, so there is no gear handle to operate after takeoff.
Example Sentence 2
Preflight inspection of fixed gear includes checking tire condition and brake lines without any concern for gear doors or actuators.