12.54 Landing Gear - Fixed

12.54.2 Describe the two common types of undercarriage system (tricycle/tail wheel).

There are two common types of fixed undercarriage: tricycle and tailwheel (conventional).

1. Tricycle Undercarriage

Configuration:

• Two main wheels located near the aircraft’s centre of gravity.
• One nose wheel at the front.

Characteristics:

• Aircraft sits level on the ground.
• Provides good forward visibility during taxi, take-off, and landing.
• Offers greater stability on the ground, particularly during braking.
• Less tendency to ground loop.
• Easier for student pilots to handle.

2. Tailwheel (Conventional) Undercarriage

Configuration:

• Two main wheels located forward of the centre of gravity.
• One tailwheel at the rear.

Characteristics:

• Aircraft sits in a nose-high attitude on the ground.
• Reduced forward visibility during taxi (often requires S-turns).
• More directionally unstable on the ground.
• Increased risk of ground looping if not handled correctly.
• Requires greater pilot skill, especially during take-off and landing.