Definition
A high-lift wing flap system in which the trailing edge of the wing extends rearward and downward as three separate flap segments, with narrow gaps (slots) between each segment. As the flap deploys, air from beneath the wing flows through these slots over the upper surface of each segment, energizing the airflow and delaying separation. This produces a large increase in lift and drag, allowing slower approach and landing speeds without the airflow stalling over the deflected flap.
Plain English
A landing flap built from three pieces that slide and tilt down with small gaps between them. Air squeezes through those gaps and helps the wing keep working at very slow speeds.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of high-lift devices, especially on larger transport aircraft and complex flap systems.
Derivation
‘Slot’ here means a narrow passage that lets air flow through. ‘Triple-slotted’ simply means there are three of these passages — one between the wing and each successive flap segment. The name describes the structure exactly: three slots, each doing the same job of guiding fast air over the next flap section.
Why Pilots Care
Allows large aircraft to operate from shorter runways and reduces landing speeds for safety.
Intuition Check
Triple-slotted does not mean three flap handle positions. It means the flap assembly itself has three flap sections with slots between them.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the captain selected full flaps, deploying the triple-slotted flap to its landing position for a stabilized approach speed.
Example Sentence 2
During final approach, the triple-slotted flaps were set to 30 degrees to reduce the approach speed.