AFOQT Practice Test

Which type of landing gear is characterized by a third wheel assembly?

1. Tricycle landing gear

2. Tail wheel landing gear

3. Tandem landing gear

4. Fixed landing gear

The correct answer is: Tail wheel landing gear

The type of landing gear characterized by a third wheel assembly is known as tricycle landing gear. This configuration typically consists of one nose wheel and two main wheels, allowing for improved stability during takeoff and landing. The presence of a third wheel at the front helps to maintain better directional control and balance, especially during ground operations. In contrast, tail wheel landing gear, although it has a wheel positioned at the rear or tail of the aircraft, usually employs two main wheels at the front, resulting in a two-wheel configuration. This type can sometimes lead to more challenging ground handling characteristics, as the center of gravity is behind the main wheels. Tandem landing gear features wheels aligned one behind the other, which can impact stability differently than the tricycle arrangement. Fixed landing gear refers to landing gear that is permanently attached to the aircraft and doesn’t retract, and it can come in various configurations, including both tricycle and tail wheel setups. Therefore, the correct identification of gear with a third wheel is tricycle landing gear, which offers certain advantages in terms of ease of handling and takeoff and landing performance.