B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
During approach the landing gear lever was jammed in the off position; we could not extend the gear normally. We informed ATC; executed a missed approach and declared an emergency. We were given vectors back for an approach with enough time to complete all checklists including the manual gear extension. With the gear extended manually and confirmed down and locked we completed a normal landing in visual conditions. We alerted the Tower that we would not have nose wheel steering after landing as a result of the abnormal condition and would need assistance. The passengers were made aware of a technical problem with the gear lever. I informed them that I would be using an alternate method of lowering the landing gear; thanked them for their patience and reassured them that we would be making a normal landing. The airport did an outstanding job. Our passengers were deplaned and taken to the Terminal by buses and the aircraft then towed to gate.
B737-800 Captain reported landing gear lever would not move from off position during approach. Crew declared an emergency and extended landing gear using alternate system.