In a scenario where main landing gear is damaged after a hard landing, what type of ejection is appropriate?

In cases where the main landing gear has been damaged after a hard landing, a controlled (planned) ejection is appropriate because it allows the pilot to manage the situation with the utmost consideration for safety. This type of ejection involves assessing the aircraft’s condition, including any potential hazards like fire or structural failure, and preparing for ejection in a calculated manner.

The controlled ejection is crucial when the aircraft is still relatively stable but compromised, as this allows the pilot to properly position themselves and execute the ejection sequence to minimize risk of injury. The pilot can retain awareness of their altitude, potential obstacles, and wind conditions, thereby increasing the chances of a safe ejection and subsequent parachute descent.

In contrast, an immediate ejection is typically reserved for scenarios where there's an urgent and imminent threat to life, such as a rapidly failing aircraft. A time-critical ejection might be necessary in emergencies but if the damage allows for some level of control, a planned approach is safer. The option of "ejection not necessary" would disregard the severity of the main gear damage and potential for further complications, making it unsuitable in this scenario.