John,

Actually, the In Flight alternate gear extension test is the best way to
determine everything about a gas spring only gear extension.  If the gear
will not go down when tested in flight, you know there is a problem to be
found and fixed.

Periodically, an In Flight alternate gear extension should be done to verify
all three will come down and lock.  Record the airspeed that Gas spring
operated gear locks down to establish a trend for the gas springs getting
weaker.  (Side note, I bought a Eldorado in 1979 with one of the new gas
spring trunk lifts.  After the third one was replaced and the warranty
expired I used a broom stick, fortunately they are much better and cost less
now.) As previously mentioned; when the real thing happens, reduce airspeed to
minimize resistance when the dump valve is opened.  Just curious, how many
of us have had to resort to Emergency Alternate Gear Extension?

Steve Colwell  Legacy



Personally I would not rely on a free fall test to check the air strut.  Way
too much at stake if you're wrong.  I would think the nose gear could free
fall perhaps without adequate air strut effectiveness.  Until someone tests
this with multiple air struts that have various strengths I would not trust
this.


My .02.

John

Dennis wrote:

I know this might not work in a Lancair IV, but in my Legacy, I do an

alternate gear extension test in flight, using gravity and the gas shocks,
to confirm that I get three down and locked.  If it works, I don't think
there is any need to remove the gas shock and test it.


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