What does "gear down and locked" signify?

The phrase "gear down and locked" indicates that the landing gear is fully extended and securely in place for landing. This status is crucial for safe aircraft operation as it ensures that the landing gear is not only deployed but also properly locked in position, preventing any potential failure during touchdown.

In aviation, it is essential for pilots to confirm that the landing gear is down and locked before landing to avoid accidents associated with gear failures. The landing gear cannot retract or unexpectedly collapse if it is properly locked, which provides the necessary stability and support that the aircraft needs during the landing phase.

Other options refer to different scenarios: a retracted position does not imply readiness for landing, and suggesting the aircraft is ready for takeoff or experiencing a malfunction does not pertain to the confirmation of the landing gear being in the proper configuration for landing. Thus, "gear down and locked" specifically confirms the landing gear's proper extended and secured state.