Plain English Meaning

How flaps change the way the wing flies. When flaps come down, the wing makes more lift and more drag, so the airplane can fly slower and come down more steeply without speeding up.

Full Definition

The aerodynamic effects produced when wing flaps are extended, primarily an increase in wing camber and (with some flap types) wing area, resulting in higher lift and higher drag at a given airspeed. These effects allow the airplane to fly safely at slower speeds, descend at steeper angles without gaining excessive airspeed, and use shorter takeoff and landing distances.

Context Anchor

Pilots encounter flap aerodynamics during takeoff, approach, landing, go-arounds, and any that calls for a .