Hi fellow (sim)pilots,I read this article: http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/GenPDF.asp?id=ANC05IA002&rpt=faand I wondered if it is possible in the PMDG md11 to retract the center gear before take-off? I know you can land with the center gear retracted, but how about retracting the center gear at the gate?I tried to reproduce this flight, I flew a ferry from EHBK to EHAM, on two engines (1 and 3) #2 was not started.During TO roll the "ENGINE FAIL" indicator activated (of course, this is to be expected) but went out as soon as the plane was airborne. I switched the fuel system to manual, in ordere to divide the fuel in the center tank to eng 1 and 3. In the PERF page of the FMC I chose "ENG OUT", and all in all it was a fine flight and a smooth landing w/o center gear; 1 channel only.the rollout seems to take longer than usual, probably because only 2 engines provided reverse thrust in stead of 3?Happy landings,Wijnand (EHBK)

As far as I know in order to retract the center gear while on the ground, you will need to have the aeroplane on jacksb rdsg Dick

That is not ertirely true..The MD-11 Center Gear can be retracted on ground, just by releasing all the nitrogen in the shock strut. You pressurize all the hydraulic systems, operate a valve in the RH Main Landing Gear Wheel Well, and up goes the center gear....On-topic, you can try to slew the airplane, retract the gear, extend the gear with the center gear retracted, and put it back on the ground....Mike Henke