Activation of the DN LOCK RLS button is prohibited for all takeoffs unless what condition is met?

• A. It is required for obstacle clearance
• B. It is required for engine start
• C. It is required for landing
• D. It is required for fuel management

Answer: (A)

The action of releasing the down lock is a controlled step to allow the landing gear to retract. On takeoff, you want the gear to stay down and locked until you’ve achieved enough climb performance to safely retract, because premature retraction can compromise stability and obstacle clearance. You would only use the down lock release during takeoff if obstacle clearance requires you to retract the gear to continue the climb safely. If there are no obstacle clearance requirements, keep the gear down and the down lock engaged.

The other options don’t set a condition that would justify releasing the down lock during takeoff; they’re not related to when gear retraction is needed for obstacle clearance, engine start, landing, or fuel management.