What happens to the nose landing gear during free fall?

During free fall, the nose landing gear experiences a combination of environmental factors that allow it to extend. Specifically, as the aircraft falls through the air, air loads can cause the landing gear components to move. Gravity also plays a significant role, as the force of gravity pulls the landing gear down into the extended position. When the aircraft is in free fall, there is no opposing force from the landing gear system’s hydraulic pressure or any mechanical constraints that would typically prevent extension. This unique set of conditions results in the landing gear extending due to the combination of air pressure and gravitational forces acting on it. This understanding is crucial for crew members dealing with emergency procedures or understanding landing gear dynamics in various flight conditions.