On Mar 13, 10:18 pm, Mxsmanic wrote:
I thought aircraft usually had interlocks that would prevent gear from
retracting as long as they had weight on them.

The "squat switch" interlocks people usually speak of are to prevent
the gear control from being used with weight on the wheels. Nothing
to do with actually mechanically holding the gear down.

Many gear are designed so, yes, they tend to stay in place by
themselves. But put a tug on the front wheels, and you could push
the gear out of place.

Some planes, for example the Airbus, also depend on powered hydraulics
as a separate aid to holding the gear in place. They suggest that
pins be put in place if a tug is used to move an unpowered plane (such
as for maintenance).

Kev