Which factor does NOT affect an aircraft's landing performance?

Landing performance of an aircraft can be significantly influenced by several factors that affect how the aircraft transitions from flight to ground operations. Weight is crucial since a heavier aircraft requires a longer distance to slow down. The runway surface type is vital as it can determine the available traction; for instance, a wet or icy runway will increase landing distances due to reduced friction.

Surface wind is another key factor; headwinds can assist in slowing the aircraft during landing, while tailwinds can extend the required landing distance.

However, the type of landing gear is relatively less impactful on landing performance when compared to the other factors. While different landing gear designs may influence the aircraft’s handling characteristics and structural design, they do not directly affect the distance required to land or the effectiveness of the landing in terms of deceleration or roll-out distance. Therefore, landing gear type is not a factor that will significantly change the landing performance of an aircraft in typical operational scenarios.