Definition
The configuration in which the wing flaps are fully stowed against the trailing edge of the wing, presenting a clean wing with no flap deflection. In this state the airplane has its lowest drag and highest stall speed for a given weight, and is the normal configuration for cruise flight.
Plain English
The flaps are pulled all the way back into the wing, so the wing is smooth and clean with nothing hanging down.
Context Anchor
Seen in descent, approach, climb, and checklist discussions when describing how the airplane is set up for flight.
Derivation
Retract comes from the Latin retrahere, meaning to draw back. The flaps are drawn back into the wing, leaving it in its clean shape.
Why Pilots Care
This configuration is used in cruise and certain descent phases to achieve higher speeds and better fuel efficiency, but requires higher approach speeds when landing.
Intuition Check
Do not read retracted as “partly moved.” In this context, flaps retracted means the flaps are up or stowed, not extended for slower flight.
Example Sentence 1
Once established in the climb, the pilot confirmed the flaps were retracted and set climb power.
Example Sentence 2
With flaps retracted, the airplane's glide ratio improves compared to when flaps are extended.