Landing Gear

Fixed landing gear is commonly found on small, single-engine light aircraft.

Retractable landing gear adds weight to an aircraft.

Fixed landing gear is preferred on slow aircraft because it reduces parasite drag.

As an aircraft's speed increases, the drag caused by the landing gear decreases.

Building landing gear aerodynamically and adding fairings can reduce parasite drag.

The text mentions that Cessna aircraft always use retractable landing gear.

Spring steel struts are commonly used in retractable landing gear.

Retractable landing gear stow in wing compartments during flight.

Gear with close-fitting panels attached to them do not cause parasite drag when fully retracted.

Most retractable gear have separate doors that remain open during flight.