Plain English Meaning

A single set of wing surfaces that does two jobs at once — they help the airplane lift off and slow down like flaps, and they also tilt the airplane left or right like ailerons.

Full Definition

Control surfaces on the trailing edge of the wing that combine the functions of flaps and ailerons. They can move together symmetrically (downward on both wings) to act as flaps for added lift, and differentially (one up, one down) to act as ailerons for roll control.

Context Anchor

Seen during preflight control checks, aircraft systems descriptions, and takeoff or on airplanes equipped with flaperons.