How should landing gear and flap configurations be managed during an approach?

• A. Configure according to approach speed and flap limits; verify gear is down and locked prior to landing
• B. Keep gear up and flaps at takeoff setting until touchdown
• C. Retract gear just before touchdown to reduce drag
• D. Do not change gear or flap settings during approach

Answer: (A)

On approach you set up the airplane for landing by selecting the appropriate flap setting and extending the landing gear. The flap setting is chosen to match the approach speed and weight, giving enough lift at a safe, controllable speed while also meeting landing distance limits. The gear must be down and locked before touchdown so the wheels are extended and secured, preventing a gear-up landing and ensuring a safe, stable contact with the runway. Configuring for landing in this way—using the flap limits for the planned approach speed and confirming the gear is down and locked before touchdown—is the correct procedure. Keeping gear up until touchdown or retracting it just before touch down would not provide a proper landing configuration, and not changing gear or flap settings would leave you unprepared for a proper landing.