Definition
The cockpit control used by the pilot to extend or retract the wing flaps. It is typically a lever, handle, or switch located on the instrument panel or center console, with detents or markings corresponding to specific flap positions (such as 10°, 20°, full).
Plain English
The lever or switch in the cockpit that the pilot moves to lower or raise the flaps on the wings.
Context Anchor
Seen during landing, after landing, and checklist use, especially when the pilot is setting or retracting flaps.
Derivation
Flap comes from an old word meaning to swing or move loosely. That fits the aviation use because wing flaps are panels that move from the wing to change how the airplane flies at lower speeds.
Why Pilots Care
Selecting the wrong handle can be a serious mistake. In some airplanes the flap handle and the landing gear handle are close together, and confusing them after landing has caused pilots to retract the gear instead of the flaps, collapsing the airplane onto the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not think of this as just any cockpit handle. The flap control handle is the specific control for the wing flaps, so the pilot should identify it before moving it.
Example Sentence 1
After clearing the runway, the pilot identified the flap control handle by sight and touch before raising the flaps.
Example Sentence 2
During the before-landing checklist the pilot set the flap control handle to the full-down detent for landing.