Definition
The maximum airspeed at which the landing gear can be safely raised into its retracted position, as published in the Airplane Flight Manual or Pilot's Operating Handbook. Operating the gear retraction mechanism above this speed can damage the gear doors, actuators, or supporting structure due to excessive airloads.
Plain English
The fastest speed at which it is safe to raise the wheels after takeoff or during a go-around. Above this speed, the airflow is too strong and can damage the gear or the parts that move it.
Context Anchor
You will see this during go-around procedures, takeoff climb procedures, and in the airplane’s operating handbook for retractable-gear airplanes.
Derivation
Retract comes from Latin words meaning “to draw back.” That fits the aviation use: the landing gear is drawn back into the airplane after it is no longer needed for landing or ground roll.
Why Pilots Care
Retracting the gear too fast can damage doors, actuators, or hydraulic lines, while leaving it extended too long increases drag and reduces climb performance.
Intuition Check
Landing gear retraction speed does not mean “raise the gear as soon as the airplane leaves the runway.” It means use the speed and timing approved for that airplane, usually after a positive climb is established.
Example Sentence 1
After confirming a positive rate of climb on the go-around, the pilot retracted the gear well below the published landing gear retraction speed.
Example Sentence 2
The checklist warned that exceeding landing gear retraction speed during a missed approach could overstress the gear doors.