Definition
A flap design in which a section of the wing's trailing edge pivots downward on a hinge to increase wing camber and produce more lift, with a moderate increase in drag. Also called a plain flap.
Plain English
A simple flap that swings down on a hinge, like a door, to give the wing more lift for slower flight.
Context Anchor
Seen when learning how flap design affects takeoff, approach, landing, and slow-flight performance.
Derivation
From 'hinge' (a jointed device that allows one part to swing relative to another) and 'flap' (a movable surface). The name describes exactly how it works: the trailing-edge section swings down on a hinge.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing how a hinge flap works helps a pilot predict the extra drag and pitch changes that occur when lowering flaps on approach.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a hinge flap as just any flap on an airplane. Here it means a flap that moves by rotating around a hinge, rather than sliding rearward or using a more complex motion.
Example Sentence 1
The trainer was fitted with a basic hinge flap that pivoted down from the trailing edge when the pilot selected flaps.
Example Sentence 2
Full hinge flap extension added noticeable drag, so power was increased to maintain the desired glide path.