Definition
A high-lift wing device made up of three separate flap segments that extend rearward and downward from the trailing edge of the wing, with narrow gaps (slots) between each segment. The slots allow high-energy air from beneath the wing to flow over the upper surface of each flap segment, delaying airflow separation and producing a large increase in lift at low airspeeds.
Plain English
A flap built from three pieces with small gaps between them. The gaps let fast-moving air slip up and over the flap, which keeps the air flowing smoothly and gives the wing a lot more lift when the airplane is flying slowly.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of flap design and high-lift systems, especially on larger airplanes that need strong low-speed lift for takeoff and landing.
Derivation
"Slotted" refers to the narrow gaps between the flap segments. "Triple" means there are three of these segments working together. The word comes from the same idea as a slot in a door — a thin opening that lets something pass through. Here, the slots let air pass from below the wing to above it.
Why Pilots Care
Enables shorter takeoff and landing distances and safer low-speed handling on heavy aircraft.
Intuition Check
Triple-slotted does not mean the airplane has only three flap positions. It means the flap design creates three air openings when the flaps are extended.
Example Sentence 1
The Boeing 727 used triple-slotted flaps to achieve the low approach speeds needed for shorter runways.
Example Sentence 2
Triple-slotted flaps allow the aircraft to operate from shorter runways by boosting the maximum lift coefficient.