What is the role of interlocks and limit switches in gear doors operation?

• A. They lubricate the door hinges.
• B. They monitor hydraulic pressure.
• C. They provide electrical power to actuators.
• D. They ensure proper door movement and confirm position to the control system.

Answer: (D)

Position sensing and safety sequencing for gear doors is what interlocks and limit switches provide. Limit switches detect when the door has reached its extremes—fully open or fully closed—and feed that exact end-of-travel information to the door control system so the actuator stops at the right point. Interlocks add safety constraints, ensuring the doors only move when the system is in a safe state and that the proper sequence is followed before any door action can proceed. Together, they give the control system reliable feedback about door position and enforce correct motion, preventing overshoot, collisions, or unsafe transitions. They do not lubricate hinges, monitor hydraulic pressure, or supply power to the actuators.