If you forget to lower the gear, it doesn’t cost you 50k (or so).
I wonder if it is a better idea if you are really new to the type.
If you forget to lower the gear, it doesn’t cost you 50k (or so).
It was a process used by the RAF when I first learned many years ago.
I use it now when I initiate any one new into our Piper Arrow Turbo group – complex with retractable undercarriage & constant speed prop.
As they have to have an IMC/IR(R) rating to join, distance from clouds are not a problem.
In fact, I encourage them to demonstrate their current IMC skills if they land too low!
As well as saving ’damage costs’, it also saves a lot of landing fees!
I guess it’s a fun exercise, but useful? Is this done anywhere except Britain? asking others on this forum 
The first aircraft I flew with retractable gear was a glider. The same simple landing check list is used for all gliders however (according to the rules here), and memorized – for all eternity (retractable gear or not):
The point is that this is a check list verifying you are configured to land. There really are no elements of practice in it. You check the airfield (or whatever place the landing has to be done), is it OK far landing, obstructions et. Check/tighten belts, test brakes for proper functionality. Check altitude. Check wheels, are they configured for landing. Check airspeed, trim etc. It’s a procedural thing, and best done when memorized. It could also be a literal check list thing, but then it’s mostly an exercise in self discipline, reading and following the check list.
