Aircraft Takeoff: When Do The Wheels Stop Spinning?

Summary Retracting wheels involves hydraulic fluid, sequenced valves, and down-locks to move the landing gear securely. Auto brakes stop the spinning of the main landing gear wheels on modern large aircraft. Smaller aircraft may require manual brake application to stop the wheels from spinning before stowing.

Have you ever been intrigued as a bystander by the continuous spinning of aircraft wheels after takeoff? Have you ever kept looking at those wheels until they eventually stopped spinning or got stowed? Do they stop spinning in time for the “gear up” position, or do the pilots apply brakes before stowing the landing gears? The answer depends on the type of aircraft and the systems installed in the landing gears. This article explores various manual and automated mechanisms that ensure safe stowaway of wheels after takeoff and during flight. Retractable landing gear system Hydraulic reservoir: The system includes a hydraulic reservoir that contains excess fluid and provides a means of determining the fluid level using sensors and gauges.

Hydraulic fluid: Pressurized hydraulic fluid is directed from the reservoir into the gear line as the pilot commands the landing gear retraction by selecting the “gear up” position. Sequenced down-locks and valves: The components ensure smooth and secure movement of the gear within its allowed range. The hydraulic fluid passes through down-locks and sequenced valves to reach the gear-actuating cylinders.

Limit switches: Each landin.