Definition
The selector or handle position on a retractable landing gear system that commands the gear to extend and lock into the down-and-locked configuration for landing or ground operations. In emergency gear extension procedures, the landing gear selector is first placed in the Gear Down position before the alternate or manual extension method is used.
Plain English
It is the setting on the landing gear control that tells the gear to come down and lock into place. Before using a backup method to lower the gear, the pilot first puts the gear handle in this position.
Context Anchor
Seen in retractable-gear airplane procedures, especially normal landing checks and emergency gear extension checklists.
Derivation
Gear originally meant equipment or apparatus. In aviation, landing gear became the name for the equipment that supports the airplane on the ground. Down describes that equipment being lowered from the airplane into its landing position.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the aircraft is ready to land safely; failure to reach this position risks a gear-up landing and serious damage.
Intuition Check
Do not assume Gear Down position means only that the gear handle or switch has been moved down. It means the landing gear itself is extended, and the pilot should confirm it by the airplane’s normal indications.
Example Sentence 1
After the gear failed to extend normally, the pilot confirmed the selector was in the Gear Down position before activating the emergency extension system.
Example Sentence 2
After the hydraulic failure, the pilot pumped the emergency handle until the gear reached the down position and the indicator confirmed it was locked.