Rotorcraft Flying Menu > Introduction to the Helicopter > Landing Gear

The most common landing gear is a skid type gear, which is suitable for landing on various types of sur-faces. Some types of skid gear are equipped with dampers so touchdown shocks or jolts are not transmit-ted to the main rotor system. Other types absorb the shocks by the bending of the skid attachment arms. Landing skids may be fitted with replaceable heavy-duty skid shoes to protect them from excessive wear and tear.

Helicopters can also be equipped with floats for water operations, or skis for landing on snow or soft terrain. Wheels are another type of landing gear. They may be in a tricycle or four point configuration. Normally, the nose or tail gear is free to swivel as the helicopter is taxied on the ground.