What impact can ice buildup on hinges have on landing gear movement?

• A. It causes no issue and improves movement.
• B. It speeds up gear extension.
• C. It can impede movement; anti-ice measures and hinges inspections are necessary.
• D. It only affects door alignment.

Answer: (C)

Ice on landing gear hinges restricts movement because ice changes clearances and increases friction, causing hinges to stiffen or bind. In a gear system, hinges control the motion of doors and linkages that must move smoothly for the gear to extend or retract reliably. When ice is present, rotation can be slowed or blocked, potentially preventing full deployment or retraction and risking misalignment of doors or components.

That’s why anti-ice measures and hinge inspections are necessary. Heating, de-icing fluids, or other anti-ice methods help keep hinges free of ice, while inspections ensure there’s no buildup, corrosion, or insufficient lubrication that could allow ice to form or stick. The other choices are not correct because ice does not improve movement or speed up extension, and while it can affect door alignment, its primary hazard is to impede movement and the reliability of gear operation.