A380 Landing Gear Noise
 

Just returned from BKK with Emirates, sat on row 76 in economy on both legs. When the landing gear extends what causes the loud noise at the end of the extension sequence, is it just the doors closing or something else, it gave my daughter quite a fright and she was asking what it was.

I'm sure someone much more qualified than me will be along shortly, but I'd imagine the noise your hearing is either the noise of the downlocks - which secures the landing gear in the down position for landing - or the sound of the gear doors closing.

It is a loud thud spund preceeded by a constant whinning sound. Have heard it on the 330 and 340 also....probably something of an Airbus trademark as the wheels down sound is barely noticeable in the 777 and 787