First of all, the nonlinear mechanical model of the active-control landing gear system is developed. Then, the PID controller of optimization is designed according to the optimal control theory in the environment of Matlab. Last, the performance of active and passive control landing gears are simulated under the condition that signal of runway is the signal of step in the environment of Simulink. Through the analysis and comparison of the simulation results, the conclusion is that, the optimal PID controller, which is designed on the base of the optimal control theory, can reduce the shock load dramatically, prolong the fatigue life of the fuselage and landing gear system, improve the taxiing performance and ride comfort simultaneously.