What signals the cockpit that the gear is down and locked?

• A. Gear-linked position sensors provide signals to cockpit indicating gear is down and properly locked via switches or sensors
• B. Visual observation by pilot
• C. Altimeter
• D. Turn coordinator

Answer: (A)

Gear position indication comes from gear-linked position sensors on the landing gear that monitor the actual extension and the locking of the gear. When a gear leg is fully extended and the down-lock engages, the sensors change state and send signals to the cockpit indicator system. The cockpit typically shows a “down and locked” indication only when all three legs are confirmed in that state, giving the pilot a reliable, centralized signal that the gear is ready for landing or retraction.

Visual observation by the pilot isn’t the primary signal because it can be unreliable due to perspective, lighting, or limited visibility of all wheels and doors. An altimeter measures altitude, and a turn coordinator measures rate of turn; neither reflects gear status.