AIRFRAMES NOTES
3. LANDING GEAR CONFIGURATIONS
3.3. TriCycle Configuration
The most commonly used landing gear arrangement is the tricycle-type landing gear.
It is comprised of main gear under the wings and a nose gear. Is characterized by having a nose wheel assembly and two main gear assemblies, one on each side of the aircraft.
-This arrangement places the aircraft fuselage in a level attitude when the aircraft is on the ground
ADVANTAGES-Pilot has a good forward visibility.
-Cabin area is level, making it easier for passengers to move inside the aircraft on ground.
-Makes the aircraft stable during ground operations and easy to control (allows more forceful application of brake for higher landing speed, preventing ground looping)
DISADVANTAGES
The nose gear of a few aircraft with tricycle-type landing gear is not controllable. It simply casters as steering is accomplished with differential braking during taxi.