Why measure an oleo strut when it is extended?

Why measure an oleo strut when it is extended?

• A. To determine the correct amount of inflation
• B. To check for corrosion
• C. To assess friction
• D. To test load capacity

Answer: (A)

Oleo struts rely on a nitrogen gas charge to act as the spring that supports the aircraft weight and controls how the leg extends and compresses. The extended length is directly influenced by that gas pressure. By measuring the strut when it is extended, you’re checking whether the gas charge (inflation) is within the specified value. If the extended length differs from the spec, the inflation is off and the charge needs to be adjusted to restore proper ride height and damping performance. Visual inspection for corrosion, assessing friction, or testing load capacity aren’t determined by this single extended-length measurement, so this method specifically verifies the correct gas charge.

Oleo struts rely on a nitrogen gas charge to act as the spring that supports the aircraft weight and controls how the leg extends and compresses. The extended length is directly influenced by that gas pressure. By measuring the strut when it is extended, you’re checking whether the gas charge (inflation) is within the specified value. If the extended length differs from the spec, the inflation is off and the charge needs to be adjusted to restore proper ride height and damping performance. Visual inspection for corrosion, assessing friction, or testing load capacity aren’t determined by this single extended-length measurement, so this method specifically verifies the correct gas charge.