lever to indicate whenever the latch is in use. The latch is disengaged by pulling up on the extension lever. To
assist the nose gear to extend under these conditions are two springs, one inside the other, mounted on arms
above the gear links. The main gears require no assist springs. Once the gears are down and the downlock
hooks engaged, a spring maintains each hook in the locked position until hydraulic pressure again releases it.
A further description of the hydraulic system and the gear back-up extender unit may be found in Chapter 29,
Hydraulic System.
The nose gear is steerable through a 60 degree arc by the use of the rudder pedals. As the gear retracts,
h o w e v e r, the steering linkage becomes separated from the gear so that rudder pedal action with the gear
retracted is not impeded by the nose gear operation. A shimmy dampener is also incorporated in the nose
wheel steering mechanism. Bungee springs are also incorporated on the push rods. These springs make lighter
and smoother ground steering possible.
The two main wheels are equipped with self-adjusting single disc hydraulic brake assemblies. Toe brakes
are standard on both the pilots and copilot’s rudder pedals. A parking brake is incorporated with the handle,
and may be used by pulling back on the handle and pushing forward on the button to the left of the handle. To
release the hand brake, pull aft on the handle and allow it to swing forward. Hydraulic fluid for the cylinders is
supplied by a reservoir installed on the left forward side of the firewal1.
TROUBLESHOOTING.
Mechanical and electrical switch troubles peculiar to the landing gear system are listed in Chart 3201.
When troubleshooting, first eliminate hydraulic malfunctions as listed in Chart 3201. Then proceed to switch
malfunctions and last to the mechanical operation of the gear itself, both of which are listed in this section.
Always place the airplane on jacks before attempting any troubleshooting of the gear. To operate the gear, the
emergency gear lever must be maintained in the up override position.
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December 1, 1978
2D9
PIPER AIRCRAFT
PA-28RT-201 / 201T
MAINTENANCE MANUAL