PSA Airlines Canadair Regional Jet Systems (PSA-CRJ) Practice Exam

What prevents the landing gear lever from being moved to the up position during weight on wheels?

1. A hydraulic lock.

2. A solenoid lock.

3. A mechanical latch.

4. A safety switch.

The correct answer is: A solenoid lock.

The landing gear lever being prevented from moving to the up position during weight on wheels is primarily due to a solenoid lock mechanism. This system is designed to ensure safety by preventing the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear while the aircraft is still on the ground, which could lead to catastrophic consequences. The solenoid lock is electrically activated and is engaged when the aircraft is on the ground. It utilizes the principles of electromagnetism to secure the landing gear lever in the down (locked) position, only allowing it to be moved to the up position once the weight of the aircraft is off the wheels, indicating that it is airborne. This design is a critical safety feature that helps to protect against unintentional gear retraction during ground operations. The other mechanisms referenced, such as hydraulic locks and mechanical latches, do play roles in various aircraft systems, but they do not specifically control the landing gear lever based on the weight on wheels scenario in the same way that a solenoid lock does.