What aspect of landing gear does excessive wear directly affect?

Excessive wear on landing gear components directly affects landing performance, which encompasses a range of factors crucial for a safe and smooth landing. When landing gear experiences wear, it can lead to inadequate shock absorption and poor alignment, resulting in unstable landings, increased stopping distances, and the potential for tire failure or failure to lock in place during landing. Properly functioning landing gear is essential for maintaining the aircraft’s ability to handle the dynamic forces during an approach and landing, ultimately ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.

In contrast, while operational noise may be influenced by landing gear wear, it is not a primary concern and does not directly impact landing performance. Fuel efficiency is more related to the aircraft's aerodynamics and engine performance, and flight altitude is dictated by the aircraft's flight operations rather than the condition of the landing gear. Therefore, the relationship between excessive wear and landing performance is the most direct and critical aspect regarding the safety and functionality of the aircraft during landings.