What is the maximum altitude with the gear extended?

What is the maximum altitude with the gear extended?

• A. 18,000'
• B. 25,000'
• C. 20,000'
• D. 17,500'

Answer: (A)

When the landing gear is extended, the airplane’s systems are only certified to operate safely up to a certain altitude. Above that point, the combination of reduced air density and the loads on the gear and doors during pressurization cycles could exceed what the gear system and structure were tested to handle. To protect against gear malfunctions and potential structural issues, the maximum authorized altitude with the gear down is set at 18,000 feet. So, the gear can be extended up to 18,000 feet, but not above.

When the landing gear is extended, the airplane’s systems are only certified to operate safely up to a certain altitude. Above that point, the combination of reduced air density and the loads on the gear and doors during pressurization cycles could exceed what the gear system and structure were tested to handle. To protect against gear malfunctions and potential structural issues, the maximum authorized altitude with the gear down is set at 18,000 feet. So, the gear can be extended up to 18,000 feet, but not above.