How to Performing a Landing Gear Inspection on a Piper Saratoga PA-32R-301T

Examine aircraft logbooks and applicable service bulletins to identify any recurring landing gear issues and mandatory inspection requirements. Example: Review aircraft maintenance logbooks for previous landing gear discrepancies, noting any patterns of actuator problems, trunnion cracks, or hydraulic leaks commonly reported in PA-32R aircraft, check compliance with Piper Service Bulletins including SB 866A regarding backup gear extender systems and any related modifications, verify compliance with applicable Airworthiness Directives particularly those addressing nosegear actuator and trunnion cracking issues, document current gear cycle counts and time since last major landing gear inspection or overhaul, review any previous gear-up landing incidents or hard landing reports that might affect structural integrity, check for any deferred maintenance items related to landing gear systems in aircraft discrepancy logs, verify hydraulic system service history including fluid changes, filter replacements, and component overhauls, and establish inspection timeline based on manufacturer recommendations and regulatory requirements for retractable gear aircraft.

Position aircraft safely in hangar environment and install appropriate safety equipment before beginning landing gear inspection procedures. Example: Position aircraft in level hangar area with adequate lighting and ventilation for detailed inspection work, install main gear safety pins to prevent accidental gear retraction during maintenance procedures, secure aircraft with wheel chocks and control locks to prevent movement during jacking operations, disconnect aircraft battery to prevent inadvertent gear operation or electrical system activation, install nose gear safety pin if aircraft is equipped with backup gear extender system to prevent automatic extension, verify adequate hangar space around aircraft for placement of jacks and inspection equipment, establish tool staging area with required torque wrenches, measuring instruments, and reference materials, post appropriate safety notices and ensure all personnel are briefed on inspection procedures and safety requirements, and coordinate with other maintenance activities to prevent interference with landing gear inspection work.

Conduct comprehensive visual examination of all landing gear components for obvious defects, leaks, and wear patterns before raising aircraft. Example: Inspect main landing gear struts for hydraulic leaks, corrosion, or damage to chrome plating that could indicate internal seal problems, examine gear doors for proper fit, security of hinges, and condition of door seals and latches, check nose gear strut for proper extension, absence of fluid leaks, and condition of shimmy damper if installed, inspect all visible landing gear actuators for leaks, security of mounting, and condition of hydraulic lines and fittings, examine gear trunnions and attach points for cracks, corrosion, or signs of stress particularly at known problem areas, check condition of landing gear position indicator switches and wiring for damage or corrosion, inspect hydraulic reservoir for proper fluid level and absence of contamination or metal particles in fluid, examine gear bay areas for hydraulic fluid accumulation, corrosion, or foreign object debris, and photograph any discrepancies found for documentation and reference during detailed inspection.

Safely raise aircraft on jacks and perform complete gear retraction and extension cycles to evaluate system operation and timing. Example: Position aircraft jacks at approved lifting points specified in maintenance manual ensuring proper weight distribution and stability, raise aircraft sufficiently to allow full gear retraction with adequate clearance between tires and ground, remove gear safety pins and establish electrical power to aircraft systems for gear operation, perform complete gear retraction cycle while observing operation of all three gear assemblies for proper sequencing and timing, monitor hydraulic system pressure during gear operation using pressure gauge connected to system test port, observe gear door operation for proper sequencing - doors should open before gear begins retracting and close after gear is fully retracted, perform gear extension cycle noting operation of each gear assembly and door sequence, check that all gear assemblies lock properly in down position with positive indication on cockpit gear lights, measure gear retraction and extension times comparing to manufacturer specifications (typically 7-10 seconds each direction), and document any discrepancies in timing, sequencing, or abnormal noises during operation.

Examine all hydraulic actuators, cylinders, and associated hardware for proper condition and compliance with service limits. Example: Inspect main gear retraction actuators for external leakage, scoring of actuator rods, and proper attachment to gear assemblies, check nose gear actuator for known problem areas including actuator mounting, rod condition, and internal leakage past seals, examine gear door actuators for proper operation, secure mounting, and absence of hydraulic leaks, measure actuator rod extension and retraction stroke comparing to specifications in maintenance manual, inspect actuator mounting bushings for wear, cracking, or excessive play using precision measuring instruments, check all hydraulic lines and fittings connected to actuators for security, proper routing, and absence of chafing or damage, examine actuator attachment bolts for proper torque, safety wire installation, and absence of cracking or elongation, inspect gear trunnions and pivot points for wear, proper lubrication, and compliance with dimensional tolerances, and use borescope to examine internal gear bay areas for hidden damage or corrosion that might affect actuator operation.

Perform comprehensive hydraulic system testing to verify proper operating pressure, flow rates, and system integrity. Example: Connect hydraulic pressure gauge to system test port and operate gear to verify system develops proper operating pressure (typically 1000-1500 PSI for PA-32R systems), test pressure relief valve operation by observing maximum system pressure and ensuring relief valve prevents over-pressurization, check hydraulic pump operation including pressure buildup time and pump cycling frequency during gear operation, perform system leak test by pressurizing system and monitoring pressure decay over specified time period, examine hydraulic reservoir for proper fluid level, cleanliness, and absence of metal particles or contamination, inspect hydraulic filter for contamination and replace if necessary according to maintenance schedule, test emergency gear extension system if installed verifying manual override operates properly, check backup gear extender system operation if aircraft is so equipped ensuring proper pressure switch function, measure hydraulic fluid temperature during operation to ensure system operates within normal temperature range, and document all pressure readings and system performance for comparison with manufacturer specifications.

Test all landing gear position switches, warning systems, and cockpit indicators for proper operation and accurate gear position indication. Example: Test each landing gear position switch for proper operation by manually actuating switches and verifying correct cockpit light indication, check gear warning horn system by reducing power with gear retracted and verifying audible warning activates properly, test backup gear extender system switches if installed ensuring proper activation at correct airspeed and power settings, examine all position switch wiring for security, proper routing, and absence of chafing or damage from gear operation, verify proper switch adjustment by checking that switches activate at correct gear positions during retraction and extension cycles, test cockpit gear indicator lights including bulb condition and proper green light illumination when gear is down and locked, check any electronic gear position indicators or annunciator panels for proper operation and accurate display, inspect gear warning system including squat switches, airspeed switches, and power setting inputs for proper operation, verify proper function of any gear door position indicators if aircraft is so equipped, and document switch positions and adjustment measurements for future reference.

Document all inspection findings, complete required maintenance entries, and return aircraft to airworthy condition. Example: Complete detailed inspection report documenting all findings including measurements taken, components inspected, and any discrepancies discovered during inspection, photograph any areas of concern or components requiring future monitoring for trend analysis and warranty documentation, update aircraft maintenance records with inspection completion including compliance with applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives, replace any components found beyond service limits and document part numbers, serial numbers, and installation procedures, perform final operational check of landing gear system including complete retraction and extension cycles with proper timing verification, reinstall gear safety pins and secure aircraft for ground operations, complete required maintenance logbook entries with appropriate mechanic signature and certificate numbers, update aircraft inspection status and schedule next required landing gear inspection based on manufacturer recommendations, brief aircraft owner or operator on any findings and recommendations for future maintenance, and coordinate with avionics shop if any gear warning system discrepancies were found requiring electrical system work.