Definition
A type of trailing edge wing flap that extends rearward on tracks before deflecting downward, increasing both wing area and camber in stages. The initial rearward motion adds lift with little drag, while further extension adds significant drag for steeper descents and slower approach speeds.
Plain English
A flap on the back edge of the wing that first slides backward to make the wing bigger, then tilts down to curve it more. This lets the airplane fly slower for landing without losing control.
Context Anchor
Seen in airfoil design, aircraft systems descriptions, performance charts, and normal takeoff or landing procedures for airplanes equipped with Fowler flaps.
Derivation
Named after Harlan Fowler, the American engineer who developed and patented this flap design in the 1920s. Knowing it is a name, not a descriptive term, prevents readers from trying to parse 'Fowler' for technical meaning.
Why Pilots Care
They allow slower approach and takeoff speeds while maintaining sufficient lift, shortening runway requirements.
Intuition Check
Do not read trailing as meaning loose or dragging behind the airplane. Here, trailing edge means the fixed rear edge of the wing. Also, a Fowler flap is not just a flap that swings down; it slides rearward as well.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the pilot extended full Fowler flaps to slow the aircraft and steepen the descent path to the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Extending the trailing edge (Fowler) flaps increased the wing area and allowed a lower stall speed on final approach.