This endorsement is a key step for pilots progressing into more complex aircraft, particularly those building experience toward advanced training or commercial pathways.
A Retractable Undercarriage endorsement is required to operate aircraft where the landing gear is raised and lowered during flight. Under Civil Aviation Safety Authority Part 61 regulations, this is classified as a design feature endorsement, meaning you must complete training and be assessed as competent before operating these aircraft.
Training focuses on understanding the landing gear system, correct operation during all phases of flight, and managing both normal and abnormal situations safely.
The course develops your understanding of retractable gear systems and how they integrate with overall aircraft operation. You’ll learn correct procedures for gear extension and retraction, how to manage configuration changes, and how to maintain situational awareness during high-workload phases such as take-off, approach, and landing.
A strong emphasis is placed on checklist discipline, system management, and avoiding errors such as gear-up landings. You’ll also cover system limitations, failure scenarios, and appropriate emergency procedures.
Flight training is conducted in an aircraft equipped with retractable landing gear, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a practical environment. Each lesson builds progressively, ensuring you develop confidence in managing the aircraft safely and efficiently.
You’ll learn how to correctly integrate gear operation into standard procedures, maintain awareness throughout each phase of flight, and handle abnormal or emergency situations involving the landing gear system.
On completion you will be able to operate aircraft fitted with retractable landing gear and expands the range of aircraft available to you for both training and hire.
To commence training, you must hold at least a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) or higher, and appropriate medical.
You can conduct RPL training in a retractable undercarriage aircraft, in this case you will be issued the endorsement at the same time as your RPL licence.
A solid standard of general aircraft handling is expected, as this endorsement builds on your existing flying skills and introduces additional system management responsibilities.
| Component | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement | $1,800 |
| This training can be combined with an MPPC endorsement, this brings the price to $1,120 Prices and times are based on average hours taken to complete the course. Additional hours required will need to be paid in addition to this price. | |
The Retractable Undercarriage endorsement is suited to pilots who are progressing into more advanced aircraft and want to expand their flying capability. It’s ideal for those building hours, transitioning into higher-performance aircraft, or preparing for further endorsements and licence upgrades.
It’s also highly relevant for pilots moving toward commercial training, where aircraft fitted with retractable landing gear are common.
Adding this endorsement develops your ability to manage more complex aircraft systems while maintaining safe and efficient flight operations. It improves discipline, situational awareness, and procedural accuracy—particularly during critical phases of flight.
It also opens the door to a wider range of aircraft, many of which offer improved performance and capability compared to fixed-gear trainers.
Our instructors will guide you through each stage of the training, ensuring you develop the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to operate retractable undercarriage aircraft safely.
Add the Retractable Undercarriage endorsement and develop the skills to manage more complex aircraft systems with confidence. Speak with our team today to discuss your training options, aircraft availability, and how to get started.
Training is competency-based, but most pilots complete the endorsement in a few hours of flight time plus associated briefings.
Yes, you must hold a Retractable Undercarriage endorsement before operating aircraft fitted with retractable landing gear.
You’ll learn system operation, normal and emergency procedures, and how to safely manage gear operation during all phases of flight.
Many higher-performance training and touring aircraft, such as the Piper Arrow, are fitted with retractable undercarriage systems.
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