In the Delta pattern, what is the gear position?

In the Delta pattern, the gear position is down. This is an important aspect of the Delta pattern, which is designed to ensure that aircraft are configured correctly for landing. When flying in this pattern, pilots are expected to have their landing gear deployed to stabilize the aircraft and prepare for landing approaches. Deploying the landing gear early allows pilots to maintain better control and ensures that they're ready when they reach the landing phase of the flight.

Having the landing gear down is also a safety measure, as it allows for a quicker response in case of any unexpected changes in approach or landing conditions. Being configured correctly with the gear down contributes to a smoother landing and prevents potential mishaps associated with gear being in the wrong position.

The other options, such as gear being up, neutral, or automatic, do not correspond with the standard operating procedures for aircraft in the Delta pattern. Each of these alternatives presents a potential risk, as flying with gear up would be inappropriate for landing approach procedures, while neutral and automatic do not align with the necessary manual control required in this phase of flight.