AFOQT Practice Test

What does tandem landing gear consist of?

1. Main and tail portions mounted along the longitudinal axis

2. A single wheel at the tail end

3. No main wheels, only tail support

4. Three wheels, including one at the nose

The correct answer is: Main and tail portions mounted along the longitudinal axis

The correct answer refers to the configuration of tandem landing gear, which is designed to support an aircraft in a specific way. In a tandem landing gear setup, the main wheels and the tail portion are arranged along the aircraft's longitudinal axis. This configuration provides balanced support and stability, particularly in high-performance or specialized aircraft. The arrangement allows for a streamlined design that can reduce drag during flight, as the main and tail wheels are positioned at different segments along the length of the airplane, rather than being widely spaced apart. This is particularly effective for certain types of aircraft, such as gliders or some fighter jets, where weight distribution and aerodynamic efficiency are crucial. The other choices present configurations that do not accurately represent tandem landing gear. A single wheel at the tail end would not provide the necessary stability or support that tandem landing gear is designed for. Similarly, having no main wheels or only tail support would leave the aircraft unable to bear its weight properly during takeoff and landing. Finally, a configuration with three wheels, including one at the nose, describes a tricycle gear system rather than a tandem system.