Definition
The maximum airspeed at which the landing gear may be safely extended on an aircraft with retractable gear. It is published in the Pilot's Operating Handbook and marked as VLO (extension) in the airspeed limitations section.
Plain English
The fastest you are allowed to be flying when you put the wheels down. Slow below this speed first, then lower the gear.
Context Anchor
Seen in the airplane's operating handbook and during speed changes before landing, especially in airplanes with retractable landing gear.
Derivation
Extension comes from a Latin word meaning to stretch out. In this aviation use, it does not mean making the gear longer; it means moving the landing gear out and down into position for landing.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding this speed can bend gear doors, damage actuators, or prevent the gear from locking down properly.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse gear extension speed with the speed for flying with the gear already down. Gear extension speed is about the act of lowering the gear.
Example Sentence 1
On the descent into the airport, the pilot slowed below the gear extension speed before lowering the landing gear.
Example Sentence 2
During the ILS approach, staying under gear extension speed allowed safe deployment on schedule.