(Ben Jackson) wrote in news:Wljac.38295$JO3.30797@attbi_s04:

Hydraulic and combination electric/hydraulic runs the risk of running
out of fluid if there's a leak. That's the case in the Arrow, right?
On the other hand, isn't the fluid just there to hold the gear *up*?

Right. It's held up by hydraulic pressure, falls down by gravity and
spring assist (if the pump isn't working).

The nose gear is the most problematic, because it has less "free fall"
weight and more air resistance. Personally, I would have gone out of the
pattern and "played with it" a bit. Retract it, then drop it again at low
airspeed with a small pull-up right at the end. Unlike a Cessna 210 (for
example) if the pump is dying or the the fluid is leaking out, it's not
really going to get any worse.

But there *is* a small chance of mechanical damage that is limiting
transit, and it might jam. Of course, in that case, the nose gear probably
isn't locked now anyway.

NONE of that is to say that you decision was in any way incorrect. Any
such decision is a guess based on limited information and I believe either
choice is justified.

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James M. Knox
TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
1109-A Shady Lane fax 512-366-4331
Austin, Tx 78721
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