What does the term 'free fall' refer to in the context of landing gear?

The term 'free fall' in the context of landing gear refers specifically to the passive extension of landing gear by gravity. When the landing gear is in a free-fall state, it means that the mechanism is not actively being engaged or assisted by any hydraulic or electrical systems; rather, it relies solely on the force of gravity to propel the gear into its deployed position.

This is often a feature built into the design of landing gear systems to ensure that the gear can safely extend and lock into place even in the event of system failures. By employing a gravity-assisted method, the aircraft can maintain a level of safety, allowing for emergency landings or scenarios where other mechanical extensions fail.

Understanding this concept is crucial for aircrew as it highlights the importance of the landing gear mechanism and emergency protocols regarding gear deployment, which can be vital during flight operations.