Nosewheel first
 

I live 11 miles from touchdown for runway 15 at Birmingham UK EGBB.

I have observed various aircraft lower their nosewheel as they pass overhead, only the nosewheel.

I was under the impression that all the gear was lowered simultaneously.

Would someone please enlighten me?

Yes, all the gear are lowered together with one lever. Normally there's only a few seconds between front & rear. The rears/mains generally have a slightly more complex setup and sometimes take a tad more time, but not much.

You'll have to get your binos out and have a closer look ;)

Nosewheel first
 

Are you sure that this applies to the larger craft.
ie. 757, 767, 777?

I have watched very carefully through binoculars and the nosewheel was down as it flew over me and I didn't see the main doors even open.

Leon,

Not possible to only lower the nose wheel on the three aircraft mentioned.:ok:

D.L.

That is because the doors close again when the gear is down.

Take your binos off the nose and look at the main it is impossible