Configuration — nose wheel vs. tailwheel
| Type | Layout | Pros | Cons | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricycle gear | Nose wheel forward, two main wheels behind the CG | Stable taxi; less prone to ground loops; unobstructed forward view; passenger-friendly | Heavier (nose wheel), more aerodynamic drag | C152, C172, PA-28, DA40, Aquila |
| Tailwheel ("conventional") | Two mains forward, tailwheel aft — CG behind the mains | Lower weight; better for grass / rough surfaces; less nose-gear damage risk | Requires continuous directional control; ground loop risk with crosswind or brake error | Piper Cub, Maule, Aviat Husky |
Fixed vs. retractable
| Property | Fixed | Retractable |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | lighter | heavier (mechanism) |
| Cruise drag | higher | lower (significantly) |
| Maintenance | simple | more complex (hydraulic/electric) |
| Typical PPL trainer | yes | no (except advanced trainer) |
| Gear warning system | not required | mandatory (see §3 Warning equipment) |
Nose wheel steering
Several mechanisms:
- Direct linkage to pedals (e.g. Cessna 152/172 — pedals steer nose wheel directly via rods)
- Spring linkage (e.g. PA-28 — pedals act via springs on nose wheel)
- Free-castering with differential braking (e.g. Cirrus SR22, some DA40)