In landing gear operation, how does ground mode differ from flight mode?

• A. Ground mode disables hydraulics; flight mode enables full retraction.
• B. Ground mode enables full braking, spoilers, and steering logic; flight mode restricts gear movement to avoid retraction during flight.
• C. Ground mode only uses manual extension; flight mode uses automatic extension.
• D. Ground mode uses alternate extension; flight mode uses normal path.

Answer: (B)

Ground mode is about how the landing gear system behaves when the aircraft is on the ground. In this mode, the system enables the full set of ground-focused functions: braking control (often with autobrakes and anti-skid), deployment of spoilers to assist deceleration, and steering logic to allow safe taxiing and maneuvering on the ground. These features work together to make stopping and steering on the runway and taxiways reliable and predictable.

In flight mode, the gear system limits movement to protect the gear and ensure proper behavior in the air. The logic prevents unexpected gear operations and keeps the gear in the appropriate configuration for flight (typically retracted and locked) until the conditions for extending or retracting are deliberately met. This restricts gear movement during flight to avoid inadvertent retraction or extension that could compromise aerodynamic performance or safety.

That combination is why the correct choice describes ground mode as enabling full braking, spoilers, and steering logic, while flight mode restricts gear movement to avoid retraction during flight.