Undercarriage lever positions are a classic and illustrative examples! Hence the old chestnut about putting the wheel down and then retracting it later should not happen if people are doing their pre-landing checks properly! (I know of a case where a pilot flew a cross country with the wheel down, and then pulled the wheel up before outlanding).
The configuration of retractable undercarriage systems does not seem to be standard; some you have to pull the lever rearwards to lower the wheel, others you have to push forwards. Most systems seem to involve initially moving the lever away from the sidewall of the aircraft (out of a detent) and using a detent mechanism as part of the locking process. As far as I am aware, you are not permitted (and should not) fly a retractable u/c glider without the wheel position placards present (check the minimum equipment list for you glider). Common sense practice, most would agree. Locate: Most seem to be on the right cockpit side wall, although they can sometimes be found on the left! Identify: Most undercarriage levers are black (although some may be white, or grey). Operate: The direction of actuation is type specific, cross check against placards. Make sure the wheel is locked down! M.T. _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
