Landing Gears and Squat Switches

E6BAV8R

E6BAV8R

Well-Known Member
This is refering to the Cessna 172-RG:

Can the gear retract, or extend, if the wire to the squat switch is broken?

I could see this going both ways and it just depends on the way the system is designed to handle the situation - the system won't know the condition of the squat switch if the wire is disconnected.

So is anyone able to shed any light on this? I couldn't find the answer in the AFM.
 
I believe the squat switch is on the nose strut for that. The nose strut is supposed to extend and complete the circuit for it to work. If it is broken then nothing should happen unless some way it can arc past the switch but I doubt that scenario.
 
Nothing should happen, as in the power pack will not be able to operate if the squat switch wire is broken?

I thought about that but didn't really consider it since the squat switch is more of a safety factor rather than something that is essential to power-pack operation; although it is Cessna and they designed the worst landing gear system ever.
 
I don't know about the Cessna, but in the A36 if the wire leading to the squat switch is broken or disconnected, then it's essentially the same as having the squat switch in the 'open' condition; the circuit would not be complete and the landing gear motor will not energize.
 
I would think the powerpack would not run. A broken wire would be exactly like having the squat switch open. So the pump would not run. I'm not familiar with cessna landing gear systems, this is all based on the assumtion that the system is similar to the operation of the gear system in a piper arrow.
 
Preflight the squat switch and gear extended/locked sensor thoroughly. If the gear is retracted, remember you can simply use the emergency gear extension procedures. Out of curiosity what made you think of this scenario? BTW, I agree with you that the gear is oddball on the 172/182RG.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4azT3MWtHE

Can you say retarded stork legs? :crazy:
 
RPJ said:
Preflight the squat switch and gear extended/locked sensor thoroughly. If the gear is retracted, remember you can simply use the emergency gear extension procedures.
Click to expand...

The question dealt with more of a "would the power pack still work if the squat switch wire was broken" type scenario.

Out of curiosity what made you think of this scenario?
Click to expand...

It is a question that our CFI End-of-Course Stage Check airmen likes to ask.

Also, after speaking to some maintenance guys at our flight school, and amusing myself how they were confusing themselves over the question, I found it the power pack would not work at all - like some others said above.

Thanks for the help
 
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