Simviation Forums

V-LE - maximum speed at which it is safe to fly a retractable gear aircraft with the landing gear extended.
V-LO - This is the maximum speed at which it is safe to extend or retract the landing gear on a retractable gear aircraft.[

The Bombardier Learjet 45 has a V-LE of 260 kts and V-LO of 200 kts. How come he can fly at a speed of 260 kts with the landing gear extended without harming it, but he cannot retract it or extend it at that speed? He can retract it or extend it below 200 kts. :-?

Because the gear doors can't handle being opened and closed at those speeds.  If you drop the gear at 260, the doors will get ripped off, but once the gear are down the doors are either retracted or locked into a down position.