Landing Gear Extended Speed

Landing gear extended speed (V_LE) is the maximum airspeed at which an aircraft may be flown with the landing gear in the extended (down) position. Exceeding V_LE with gear extended risks structural damage to the gear doors, actuators, or gear legs due to aerodynamic loads.

V_LE vs. V_LO

• V_LE: Maximum speed with gear extended (locked down)
• V_LO: Maximum speed for operating the gear (moving — either extending or retracting)
• V_LO is always ≤ V_LE. The gear must be retracted before exceeding V_LO, and must not be extended above V_LO.

Practical Application

In an emergency requiring immediate gear extension (e.g., suspected gear malfunction), slow to below V_LO before extending. When using gear as a speed brake (e.g., in an emergency descent), do not exceed V_LE. Both speeds are placarded in the cockpit and published in the POH.

Related Terms

See also: V_LO, V_NE.