Apparatus for applying bending load to an axle of an aircraft landing gear. The apparatus comprises a dummy wheel having a dummy wheel bearing; and a load tool having a convex outer surface which is configured to engage the dummy wheel when in use so as to bend the axle via the dummy wheel bearing. The dummy wheel is shaped to enable it to roll over the convex outer surface of the load tool as the axle bends. The load tool has a load tool bearing which permits the load tool to move as it bends the axle. One or more sensors are provided to sense the load applied to the axle; and one or more sensors are provided to sense the response of the axle to the applied load.