Conventional landing gear

Conventional Landing Gear

Conventional landing gear refers to the type of landing gear that incorporates a third wheel, also known as a tailwheel, located at the rear of the aircraft. This type of landing gear is commonly used on small general aviation aircraft and some military aircraft.

The conventional landing gear is characterized by its simplicity and ease of maintenance. It is also more stable and has better ground handling characteristics than other types of landing gear. The tailwheel provides better maneuverability on the ground, especially during taxiing.

However, conventional landing gear also has its drawbacks. It is less efficient than other types of landing gear, particularly during takeoff and landing phases, due to the high angle of attack required for the tail to clear the ground. This can result in reduced visibility and challenges for pilots during these critical phases of flight.

Despite its limitations, conventional landing gear is still widely used in aviation today due to its simplicity, reliability, and low maintenance requirements.