In
our 320 and others that I've flown you either have to wait quite a while for
the mains to lock down or, more preferably, a slight yaw with the rudder will
do the trick (step on the side you want to lock). I believe that this is
normal. From your post "most likely in the air" I assume that you
haven't tried it in the air? You should. I do a free fall test in the air about
once a month. (slow down, pull the big gear breaker AND the gear relay breaker,
gear switch down, open the valve). In ours, I usually need to "help"
the right gear a little with rudder.
Yes,
the nose should be first to lock. If it's getting lazy, you're probably due for
a new gas strut. This is a normal maintenance item, I replace mine probably
every 3 or 4 years. If you replace the nose strut, time the extension with the
new strut. That will give you a baseline number so that you'll know when it's
starting to get weak.
-----
Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, April 15,
2009 7:51 AM
Subject: [LML] Gear Free Fall
I’d like to draw on the
opinion of listers regarding LNC2 gear free fall problem.
The main gear is slow to free
fall, and on the jacks (most likely in the air) the RMG won’t lock in.
Slight pressure on the wheel
locks it in, which is handy if one wing walks upside down.
Disconnected the actuator
strut and it drops like a beauty and snaps into position.
I doubt the actuator struts
are the problem because both main gear have exhibited the same problem at the
same time. The LMG does eventually lock down on the jacks.
One thing I’ve noticed is the
NG is slower to lock down under normal extension than it usually does. Until
recently, it was always the first, and quick to lock down. Under free fall the
gas strut dives the NG down and locks as it should quite quickly.
Wondered if anyone might have
a trouble shooting sequence I can draw upon.
Thanks
Dom Crain
VH-CZJ