Definition
Cockpit indicators that show the pilot the current position of the landing gear — typically whether each gear leg is up and locked, down and locked, or in transit between those positions. Most systems use a set of colored lights (commonly green for down and locked, with a separate red or amber light to indicate the gear is unsafe or in transit), and many also include a mechanical position display or warning horn tied to throttle position.
Plain English
Lights and displays in the cockpit that tell the pilot whether the wheels are up, down, or moving, so the pilot knows the gear is in the right position before landing.
Context Anchor
Found on the cockpit panel or flight display in airplanes with retractable landing gear, especially during gear checks after takeoff and before landing.
Derivation
Indicator comes from the Latin idea of pointing out or making known. That fits here because these indicators point out the condition of the landing gear so the pilot does not have to guess.
Why Pilots Care
Confirming gear position before landing prevents gear-up landings and ensures the aircraft is configured correctly for takeoff, directly affecting safety and preventing structural damage.
Intuition Check
Do not read “position” as an exact physical measurement. Here it means the gear’s reported state: up, down and locked, or unsafe/not in the selected position.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the pilot confirmed three green lights on the landing gear position indicators before continuing the descent.
Example Sentence 2
After raising the gear, the pilot waited for the landing gear position indicators to show the wheels were fully retracted and locked.