The landing gear: that thump and those noises are normal
Two of the loudest, most physical moments of a flight come from the wheels. Here’s why none of it is a problem.
Retracting and extending
Just after takeoff the gear folds up with a clunk and a hydraulic whir. Before landing it comes back down the same way, sometimes with a rush of wind noise. Both are the wheels doing exactly what they should.
The firm touchdown is deliberate
Pilots often “plant” the wheels firmly on purpose, especially on a wet runway, to get grip immediately. A soft, floaty landing can actually be less safe. A solid touch means it’s working.
Landing gear carries several tyres and multiple independent brakes: there’s redundancy built in, so no single wheel or brake matters on its own.
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Prepare my flightWhat is the thump after takeoff and before landing?
The landing gear retracting and later extending. The clunk and whir are the wheels and hydraulics operating normally.
Why is the landing sometimes hard?
It’s often intentional. A firm touchdown gives immediate grip, particularly on wet runways, and is safer than a long, soft float.
What if a tyre or brake failed?
The gear has multiple tyres and independent brakes, so it doesn’t depend on any single one. It’s designed with spare capacity.
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