What is the purpose of a squat switch in a landing gear retraction system?

• A. Indicating gear is down
• B. Preventing gear from being raised while the aircraft is on the ground
• C. Powering the retraction system
• D. Preventing gear from being lowered while on the ground

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the squat switch acts as a safety sensor in the gear control circuit. It detects when the airplane’s weight is on the wheels. If the aircraft is on the ground, that signal inhibits the gear retraction sequence, so the landing gear cannot be raised while taxiing or during takeoff preparation. Once the aircraft is airborne and the weight is off the wheels, the switch changes state and allows the retraction system to operate.

This switch is not the power source for the retraction system; it merely provides a status signal to control logic. It also isn’t the gear-down indicator or a mechanism that prevents lowering on the ground; its primary function is to prevent retraction while on the ground.