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