Definition
A complete operation of the retractable landing gear system from one position to the other and back — typically extending the gear from the up-and-locked position to the down-and-locked position, or retracting from down-and-locked to up-and-locked, including all intermediate movement and locking actions.
Plain English
One full run of the landing gear moving from where it started to its other position. For example, lowering the gear all the way down and getting confirmation it's locked is one cycle; raising it back up and locked is another.
Context Anchor
Used in retractable-gear airplane procedures, especially during approach and landing when the pilot must confirm the landing gear is fully down and locked before touchdown.
Derivation
From the everyday meaning of 'cycle' — a complete sequence of events that returns to a starting point or completes a defined motion. In aviation, a gear cycle refers to one full operation of the retraction or extension sequence rather than just flipping the switch.
Why Pilots Care
The time needed for a gear cycle must be allowed before landing so the gear is fully extended and locked; repeated cycles also affect maintenance intervals.
Intuition Check
Do not read “cycle” here as just flipping the gear handle. In this context, the cycle is the whole movement of the landing gear until it finishes in the selected position.
Example Sentence 1
After selecting gear down on final approach, the pilot waited for the gear cycle to complete and confirmed three green lights before continuing the landing checklist.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance records count every gear cycle to remain within the aircraft service limits.