Today's 2.5hr flight KBVY-EEN-KLEB-KBTV-KSFM-KBVY was normal right up to the point
when I dropped the gear switch as I turned from base to final...nothing happened, no transition light, no air noise as the
gear doors open, no pump sound, nada... So I exit the pattern and climb to 2500ft while I begin to contemplate my naval as well as my options.
Pump and relay breakers had not popped. High pressure indicated 1400psi/30psi low, normal. So I returned
to the airport at 2000ft while numerous aircraft were in the pattern at 1200ft, pulled pump and relay breakers, lowered the gear switch at 120 and opened the dump valve and high/low psi drop to zero. Left main was first to go green, right rudder resulted in right main green, nose was stubborn until 85 and with a tug of up elevator, it went green. With pump and relay breakers in, still no pump, no down pressure. I advised the tower I was coming straight to the runway. All the while, there is this mental image forming of a loosening sphincter muscle and prematurely shortened lifespan. The soon to be closed tower said the gear appeared to be down. Gear lights indicated down and locked, but would they all hold with no down pressure?
In the end, it was the best squeaker landing yet, if I do say so myself. :-)

So tomorrow brings the post mortem analysis.

Angier Ames
N4ZQ
18hrs