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 is a Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

A Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] is a standardized inspection form used by aircraft mechanic to ensure consistent aircraft maintenance operations. It contains 41 inspection points organized into 7 sections. FREE landing gear inspection checklist PDF. Ensure FAA 14 CFR Part 43 compliance with 35+ fields for aircraft mechanics.

How often should I use this aircraft maintenance checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed per event. Regular use ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D - Scope and Detail of Items to be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections and FAA 14 CFR 43.13 - Performance Rules for Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 41 fields across 7 sections and typically takes 45-60 minutes to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure 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. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this aircraft maintenance inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Inspection Date and Time, Inspector Name, Aircraft Registration (N-Number), Aircraft Total Time (Hobbs Hours), and Inspection Location / Hangar. Work through each of the 7 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

What are the key sections in this aircraft maintenance checklist?

This aircraft maintenance checklist is organized into 7 key 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. Each section contains specific inspection points that aircraft mechanic must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during aircraft maintenance inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 45-60 minutes to complete.

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

This checklist is primarily designed for aircraft mechanic working in aircraft maintenance operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that aircraft maintenance standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Aviation Landing Gear Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] to maintain consistency and accountability.

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