Definition
The setting of the landing gear selector handle that commands the landing gear to move from extended (down) to stowed (up) inside the airframe. In the context of emergency gear extension procedures, the retract position is the normal selector position that must typically be moved to the down or extend position before any emergency extension method is attempted.
Plain English
It is the 'up' setting on the landing gear handle in the cockpit — the position that tells the gear to fold up into the airplane after takeoff.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing gear system descriptions and emergency gear extension checklists, where the gear selector may need to be in a specific position before using an alternate extension method.
Derivation
Retract comes from the Latin retrahere, meaning 'to draw back.' The gear is drawn back into the airplane, so the handle position that commands this is called the retract position.
Why Pilots Care
Moving the handle to this position at the right moment reduces drag and improves climb performance while preventing accidental gear-up landings on the ground.
Intuition Check
Retract position does not mean the gear is definitely up. It means the control is set to command the gear up.
Example Sentence 1
After a positive rate of climb, the pilot moved the gear handle to the retract position and confirmed three lights extinguished.
Example Sentence 2
During the emergency extension procedure the instructor verifies the selector has not been left in the retract position.