What are the two basic types of landing gear?

The two basic types of landing gear are classified as tricycle and conventional. Tricycle landing gear features a nose wheel and two main wheels located at the rear, providing greater stability during takeoff and landing. This configuration helps prevent tail strikes and allows for easier ground handling. Conversely, conventional landing gear, often referred to as tailwheel gear, has two main wheels in the front and a smaller wheel at the tail. This setup can be more challenging for pilots, especially in crosswinds, but is commonly found in vintage aircraft and some bush planes designed for short or unpaved runways.

Understanding these two configurations is crucial for pilots and air traffic control personnel as they affect aircraft handling characteristics, runway requirements, and emergency procedures.