Plain English Meaning

Small switches that sense when the landing gear has reached the end of its travel, either fully down or fully up, and shut off the system that was moving it. They also tell the cockpit lights and warnings what position the gear is in.

Full Definition

Electrical switches in a retractable landing gear system that automatically stop the gear motor or hydraulic pump when the gear reaches the fully extended (down-and-locked) or fully retracted (up-and-locked) position. They also signal gear position to cockpit indicators and warning systems.

Context Anchor

Encountered in retractable landing gear discussions, especially when learning how gear motors, gear doors, and cockpit gear position lights are controlled.

Derivation

Called 'limit' switches because they detect the limit of mechanical travel — where the gear can move no further in that direction. Once that limit is reached, the acts.