When the cargo hook is installed, what should be done with the landing gear?

When the cargo hook is installed, what should be done with the landing gear?

• A. Shall be kept extended
• B. Should be kept extended
• C. May be kept extended
• D. Shall be retracted

Answer: (A)

When you have the cargo hook installed, the aircraft must be configured to maintain safe clearance and stability for external load operations. Keeping the landing gear extended ensures there is sufficient ground clearance for the hook pendant and load, prevents interference between the gear and the load or deck, and helps maintain the proper hover attitude during hookup and lift. If the gear were retracted, there’s a greater risk of contact with the load or deck and potential retraction faults affecting safety. Because this is a mandated procedure to keep operations safe, the correct action is to keep the landing gear extended.

When you have the cargo hook installed, the aircraft must be configured to maintain safe clearance and stability for external load operations. Keeping the landing gear extended ensures there is sufficient ground clearance for the hook pendant and load, prevents interference between the gear and the load or deck, and helps maintain the proper hover attitude during hookup and lift. If the gear were retracted, there’s a greater risk of contact with the load or deck and potential retraction faults affecting safety. Because this is a mandated procedure to keep operations safe, the correct action is to keep the landing gear extended.