Private Pilot Private Exam

What is one of the main functions of flaps during approach and landing?

1. Increase the landing distance

2. Decrease fuel efficiency

3. Increase the angle of descent without increasing the airspeed

4. Reduce drag significantly

The correct answer is: Increase the angle of descent without increasing the airspeed

Flaps play a crucial role during the approach and landing phases of flight primarily by allowing the aircraft to achieve a steeper angle of descent without a corresponding increase in airspeed. When deployed, flaps increase the camber of the wing, which enhances lift at lower speeds. This enables pilots to maintain control of the aircraft while flying at safer, slower airspeeds during critical phases of flight. The increased lift generated by flaps allows for a steeper descent profile, which can help in navigating obstacles near the airport or in managing the approach trajectory more effectively. This capability is particularly important for managing final approaches and ensuring a stable descent path. In contrast, options that suggest increasing landing distance or decreasing fuel efficiency do not align with the primary aerodynamic benefits that flaps provide. Similarly, while flaps do affect drag, their primary purpose is not significantly to reduce drag but rather to enable safe and effective maneuverability at reduced speeds.