Sacrificial layer for gear-up protection.

I too find it hard to believe that a radio call could so rattle a pilot that he loses control. In flying gliders on three continents, I have always maintained radio contact with both the field and traffic as essential to safety.

Most pilots at my local club also call out that their gear is deployed on their downwind leg. I was never trained to do that, so frequently get asked to check my gear. I have screwed up a few landings over the years, but so far have avoided a gear-up.

Mike