Which statement best describes the correct verification of landing gear and brakes during a preflight?

Which statement best describes the correct verification of landing gear and brakes during a preflight?

• A. Only verify gear is down.
• B. Inspect for leaks but not test operation.
• C. Check gear down and locked; verify brakes function and no fluid leaks; listen for abnormal noises.
• D. Confirm gear doors closure with door switches.

Answer: (C)

In a preflight, you must confirm that the landing gear is down and locked, the brakes function, there are no hydraulic fluid leaks, and you listen for any abnormal noises. This combination covers three critical readiness checks: gear position and lock to ensure the gear will stay extended and properly supported; brake function to verify you can stop and that the braking system is operational; and a leak/noise check to catch hydraulic problems or gear/mechanism wear before you fly. If you only verify that the gear is down, you might miss whether it’s actually locked or whether the brakes work. If you only inspect for leaks, you don’t confirm brake operation or the gear’s locked status. If you just check that gear doors close, you’re not confirming the gear is properly down, locked, or that the brakes are functioning.

In a preflight, you must confirm that the landing gear is down and locked, the brakes function, there are no hydraulic fluid leaks, and you listen for any abnormal noises. This combination covers three critical readiness checks: gear position and lock to ensure the gear will stay extended and properly supported; brake function to verify you can stop and that the braking system is operational; and a leak/noise check to catch hydraulic problems or gear/mechanism wear before you fly. If you only verify that the gear is down, you might miss whether it’s actually locked or whether the brakes work. If you only inspect for leaks, you don’t confirm brake operation or the gear’s locked status. If you just check that gear doors close, you’re not confirming the gear is properly down, locked, or that the brakes are functioning.