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Glite Dictionary
landing skid

landing skid

5.3
One of the two long horizontal supports under a helicopter that hold it on the ground
  • noun
  • /ˈlændɪŋ skɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : patín de aterrizaje
  • Before takeoff, the pilot made sure that the landing skids were properly secured.

Examples

  • The helicopter's landing skid was damaged during the emergency landing.

  • The helicopter settled gently onto its landing skid after a smooth descent.

  • Damaged landing skids can make it dangerous for a helicopter to take off or land.

  • Technicians inspected each landing skid for cracks before giving the aircraft clearance to fly.

  • The pilot inspected the landing skids before taking off.

  • The helicopter's landing skid touched down gently on the grassy field.

  • During the inspection, the mechanic examined each landing skid for any signs of damage.

Surface Forms

landing skid singular
landing skids plural

Morphology

landing + skid

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'landing' (the act of descending onto a surface) with 'skid' (a flat support or runner): together they denote the support used for landing. This is a straightforward noun-noun compound following common English composition patterns (similar to 'landing gear'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Landing skid creates a simple picture: the word skid names long bars under a helicopter, like the runners of a sled, and landing shows they are used when the aircraft comes down. Because these bars let the helicopter 'slide' a little and 'support' its weight on the ground, it means the long supports under a helicopter that help it 'land' and 'rest'.