Definition
The cockpit control used by the pilot to extend (lower) or retract (raise) the airplane's landing gear. In most airplanes it is a lever or handle, often shaped like a small wheel, located on the instrument panel within easy reach of the pilot.
Plain English
The switch or lever in the cockpit that the pilot uses to put the wheels down for landing or pull them up after takeoff.
Context Anchor
Seen during cockpit preflight checks and in airplanes with landing gear that can be raised and lowered in flight.
Why Pilots Care
Proper use ensures the gear is down for landing and up in flight to reduce drag and avoid structural damage or unsafe landings.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as any control related to the wheels, such as brakes or steering. In this context, it means the specific cockpit control that raises or lowers the landing gear.
Example Sentence 1
After a positive rate of climb, the pilot moved the landing gear control to the up position.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight walk-around the pilot confirmed the landing gear control was set to down.