Why is proper tire inflation critical for landing gear performance?

• A. It ensures even load distribution.
• B. It improves fuel efficiency in cruise.
• C. It reduces the need for braking capacity.
• D. It eliminates tire wear completely.

Answer: (A)

Proper tire inflation ensures even load distribution across the landing gear tires. When the tires are at the correct pressure, the aircraft’s weight on touchdown and during rollout is shared by each tire as designed, keeping the contact patches and load paths balanced. If inflation is too low, the tire flexes more, increasing heat and causing uneven wear because some parts of the tire take more load than others; this raises the risk of overheating, tire damage, or blowouts and can distort braking effectiveness. If inflation is too high, the contact patch becomes smaller and load concentrates in the center, reducing grip and leading to uneven wear and reduced braking performance. Maintaining the recommended pressure keeps the tires within their designed load-carrying capability, ensures predictable braking and stability, and protects the tires and gear from damage due to uneven loading.