What should pilots check for before takeoff related to landing gear?

Before takeoff, it is crucial for pilots to verify the landing gear position. Ensuring that the landing gear is in the correct position is vital for safety during takeoff and landing. If the landing gear is inadvertently left in the "up" position, the aircraft may not be able to land safely, leading to potential accidents. Pilots typically check that the landing gear is down and locked, which is a standard procedure in many pre-flight checklists. This verification helps confirm that the plane is ready for safe operation during the critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing.

While fuel levels, tire pressure, and weight distribution are also important factors for safe flying, they do not directly pertain to the operational readiness of the landing gear system itself right before takeoff. Fuel levels are about ensuring sufficient fuel for the flight, tire pressure affects ground handling and safety during taxi and takeoff, and weight distribution impacts the aircraft's performance and balance. However, these aspects do not specifically address the immediate concern of whether the landing gear is properly configured for takeoff.