When should the landing gear be selected down on a CAT II ILS approach?

When should the landing gear be selected down on a CAT II ILS approach?

• A. Glide slope movement or 1-2 miles prior to the FAF or 300'-600' above the GS intercept altitude
• B. Upon reaching the runway threshold
• C. At the moment you pass the outer marker
• D. After touchdown

Answer: (A)

On a CAT II ILS approach, you want the airplane in landing configuration before you enter the final approach segment, so you have the extra drag and stability needed for low-visibility operations. Extending the landing gear early, such as about 1–2 miles before the final approach fix or when you are roughly 300–600 feet above the glide slope intercept altitude (before you actually intercept the glide slope), ensures the gear is fully down and locked as you begin your descent on the glideslope. This avoids extending gear at very low altitudes or after you've already established on the glide path, which would be late and less safe. So selecting the gear down when the GS is being established or shortly before the FAF keeps you properly configured for the precision approach. Reaching the threshold, passing the outer marker, or extending after touchdown would be inappropriate for this phase of flight.

On a CAT II ILS approach, you want the airplane in landing configuration before you enter the final approach segment, so you have the extra drag and stability needed for low-visibility operations. Extending the landing gear early, such as about 1–2 miles before the final approach fix or when you are roughly 300–600 feet above the glide slope intercept altitude (before you actually intercept the glide slope), ensures the gear is fully down and locked as you begin your descent on the glideslope. This avoids extending gear at very low altitudes or after you've already established on the glide path, which would be late and less safe. So selecting the gear down when the GS is being established or shortly before the FAF keeps you properly configured for the precision approach. Reaching the threshold, passing the outer marker, or extending after touchdown would be inappropriate for this phase of flight.