Citation II S2/Bravo (C550)
Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 10000
Workload; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Chart Or Publication; Human Factors
During descent; on a Part 91 flight into a midwest airport; in a Citation 550 Bravo; the 'Gear Unlocked' light came on prior to selecting the gear to the down position. When the gear was selected to the down position; it extended normally with normal three green lights indication. Approach and landing were normal. After landing attempts were made to hire maintenance to inspect the airplane. No maintenance was available. After attempting to obtain maintenance at that airport the time of the day was such that we could not contact the FAA to obtain a ferry permit. I elected to fly the aircraft gear down to the Citation Maintenance facility at a nearby airport for investigation of the gear unlocked light. The aircraft was flown to the service center where the problem was investigated. Both gear uplock switches were found to be bad. The switches were changed and the aircraft was returned to service. Pressure to 'make the schedule' contributed to the decision to fly the aircraft to the service facility. For future reference; I would not allow the schedule to dictate actions without utilizing proper procedures.
A CE550 pilot flew his aircraft; gear down; to a maintenance facility without a ferry permit when he was unable to secure maintenace to correct a 'GEAR UPLOCK' light indication that came on during approach.