Which gear is the towing reference when operating under abnormal conditions?

• A. Nose landing gear
• B. Main landing gear
• C. Tail gear
• D. Wing gear

Answer: (B)

When you tow a C-17 under abnormal conditions, you need a gear reference that stays stable and predictable despite any steering or hydraulic issues. The main landing gear is that stable reference because it is the primary weight-bearing contact with the ground and its position remains aligned with the aircraft’s centerline even when nose-wheel steering is unreliable or inoperative. This gives you a consistent reference point to keep the aircraft tracking straight during tow. The nose landing gear, while used for steering in normal ops, can become erratic or locked in abnormal conditions, making it a poor reference. Wing gear and tail gear aren’t used as the towing reference on the C-17, so the main landing gear is the best choice for maintaining proper alignment when normal steering isn’t available.