Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Landing gear inspections are mandated under FAA 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D, which specifies items required for a 100-hour and annual inspection of aircraft systems. Proper documentation and adherence to manufacturer maintenance manuals (MM) are critical to airworthiness determination under 14 CFR 43.13. Failure to identify landing gear defects can lead to catastrophic runway incidents, making systematic inspection protocols essential for every certificated mechanic.

  • Industry: Aircraft Maintenance
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Aircraft Mechanic
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D - Scope and Detail of Items to be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections, FAA 14 CFR 43.13 - Performance Rules for Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations, FAA 14 CFR Part 145.109 - Equipment, Materials, and Data Requirements, FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B - Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices

Nose Gear Strut and Oleo Assembly

Inspect the nose landing gear oleo strut for proper extension, fluid leaks, and structural integrity per manufacturer specifications.

  • Is the nose gear oleo strut extended to the manufacturer-specified service range?
  • Is the oleo strut free of hydraulic fluid leaks at all seals and fittings?
  • Is the nose gear strut chrome barrel free of corrosion, pitting, and scoring?
  • Are all nose gear strut attachment bolts present, properly torqued, and safety-wired or cotterpinned?
  • Is shimmy damper (if installed) free of leaks and securely attached?

Main Landing Gear Struts and Attachments

Examine main gear oleo struts, trunnion pins, torque links, and structural attach points for wear, damage, and proper security.

  • Are both main gear oleo struts properly inflated per manufacturer service data?
  • Are torque links (scissors) free of cracks, corrosion, and excessive wear at bushings?
  • Are trunnion pins and attach bolts properly secured with no visible cracks or deformation?
  • Is the main gear actuator (retractable gear only) free of leaks and operating smoothly through full travel?
  • Are gear doors (if installed) free of damage and properly adjusted with no contact on structure?
  • Are any cracks, corrosion, or deformation visible on the main gear beam or fork?

Wheels, Tires, and Brake System

Inspect tire condition, wheel assembly integrity, and brake component serviceability to ensure safe ground operation and stopping performance.

  • Are all tires inflated to manufacturer-specified pressure (checked cold)?
  • Are tires free of cuts, bulges, exposed cord, flat spots, and excessive tread wear?
  • Are wheel halves free of cracks and corrosion, and are through-bolts properly torqued?
  • Are brake pucks/linings within serviceable thickness limits per manufacturer data?
  • Are brake discs free of grooves, cracks, and heat discoloration beyond serviceable limits?
  • Is the brake hydraulic system free of leaks at calipers, lines, and fittings?

Gear Retraction and Extension System

Verify the functionality of the gear extension and retraction system, including actuators, uplock/downlock mechanisms, and position indicators.

  • Do gear downlock mechanisms positively engage and hold gear in down-and-locked position?
  • Do gear position indicator lights (green) illuminate correctly when gear is down and locked?
  • Is the gear warning horn/alert system functional (activates with throttle reduced and gear up)?
  • Is the emergency gear extension system (hand crank, CO2, or free-fall) functional and accessible?
  • Are gear retraction hydraulic or electrical actuators free of leaks, binding, and proper operation?

Wheel Bearings and Lubrication

Inspect wheel bearing condition, proper lubrication, and adjustment for all landing gear wheels to prevent overheating and wheel failure.

  • Are wheel bearings repacked with approved grease at the MM-specified inspection interval?
  • Are bearing races and cones free of pitting, spalling, discoloration, and flat spots?
  • Is wheel bearing pre-load/end play adjusted per manufacturer specifications?
  • Are all grease fittings (zerks) on landing gear components lubricated with approved grease?

Structural and Visual Inspection

Perform a comprehensive visual and tactile inspection of all landing gear structural components for cracks, corrosion, deformation, and missing hardware.

  • Are all visible landing gear structural components free of cracks detectable by visual inspection?
  • Are all landing gear components free of paint-covered corrosion, exfoliation, or intergranular corrosion?
  • Are all drag braces and side braces secure, free of deformation, and properly rigged?
  • Are all landing gear wiring harnesses, proximity sensors, and electrical connectors secure and undamaged?
  • Have any previously noted discrepancies been corrected and documented in the aircraft maintenance record?

Documentation and Return to Service

Ensure all inspection findings are properly documented, discrepancies are recorded, and the aircraft maintenance record is completed per FAA requirements.

  • Has an approved maintenance data source (MM, STC data, or AC 43.13-1B) been referenced for all inspections performed?
  • Are all discrepancies found during this inspection documented on a discrepancy log or work order?
  • Has the inspection been entered in the aircraft maintenance record with required data per 14 CFR 43.9?
  • Were any airworthiness directives (ADs) applicable to landing gear systems reviewed and confirmed complied with?
  • Additional notes or observations from this landing gear inspection?

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Why Use This Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This aviation landing gear inspection checklist [free pdf] helps aircraft maintenance teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for aircraft mechanic professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D - Scope and Detail of Items to be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections, FAA 14 CFR 43.13 - Performance Rules for Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations, FAA 14 CFR Part 145.109 - Equipment, Materials, and Data Requirements, FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B - Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Nose Gear Strut and Oleo Assembly, Main Landing Gear Struts and Attachments, Wheels, Tires, and Brake System, Gear Retraction and Extension System, Wheel Bearings and Lubrication, Structural and Visual Inspection, Documentation and Return to Service. It is designed for aircraft maintenance operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Aircraft Mechanic professionals in the aircraft maintenance industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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