What items should be checked on the landing gear tires during a preflight inspection?

• A. Tread wear, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, proper inflation pressure, valve stem condition, and wheel bead seating.
• B. Color of the tire.
• C. Brake pad material.
• D. Tire pressure measurement only.

Answer: (A)

During a preflight, the goal is to confirm the tire’s condition and its ability to hold air under load, so you inspect both wear/damage signs and the inflation setup. The best choice covers all the critical checks: tread wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall damage to catch any ongoing or potential failures; proper inflation pressure to ensure the tire can carry the load without overheating or blowing out; valve stem condition to detect leaks or cracks; and wheel bead seating to ensure the tire is properly sealed to the wheel and won't lose air or move during operation. This combination addresses both visible damage and attachment integrity, which are essential for safe operation.

Color of the tire doesn’t indicate safety or condition, brake pad material is unrelated to the tire itself, and checking tire pressure alone misses visible damage and bead seating issues.