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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-conventional-landing-gear

Where are the wheels on conventional landing gear?

It has two main wheels forward and a small rear wheel.

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  1. Three wheels in one row
  2. One nose wheel and two mains
  3. Two forward wheels and one rear wheel ✔

Why: Conventional gear puts the two main wheels ahead of the airplane's balance point. A smaller wheel supports the tail.

Huh, didn't know that: Conventional landing gear is also commonly called tailwheel gear.

The dad joke
Why did the tailwheel follow the airplane? It liked bringing up the rear!
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References

Answer: Two forward wheels and one rear wheel. Conventional gear puts the two main wheels ahead of the airplane's balance point. A smaller wheel supports the tail.

  1. Civil Air Patrol, Journey of Flight Teacher's Guide www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    Conventional consists of two wheels forward and one small wheel in the rear.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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