Flaps Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are wing flaps used for in airplanes?
Wing flaps are used to increase both lift and drag.
What is the first function of wing flaps?
They increase the angle of attack during approach and landing, allowing the wing to produce the same lift at slower airspeed, which decreases the required landing distance.
What is the second function of wing flaps?
They permit a steep angle of descent without increasing speed, allowing safe clearance of obstacles during landing approaches to short runways.
What is the third function of wing flaps?
They may shorten the takeoff distance and provide a steeper climb path.
What effect does raising the flaps have on stall speed?
The raising of flaps increases the stall speed.
What is a plain flap?
A portion of the trailing edge of the wing on a hinged pivot that allows downward movement, changing the chord line, angle of attack, and camber of the wing.
What is a split flap?
A hinged portion of only the bottom surface of the wing that increases the angle of attack by changing the chord line, creating the least change in pitching moment and the greatest amount of drag.
What is a slotted flap?
A portion of the trailing edge similar to a plain flap but with a gap that permits air to pass through, delaying airflow separation along the top of the wing.
What is a Fowler flap?
The Cessna 172M is equipped with single-slot type flaps, though some sources describe them as Fowler flaps. These flaps can extend up to 40 degrees.
Where are most wing flaps located?
Most wing flaps are hinged near the trailing edges of the wings, inboard of the ailerons.
How are wing flaps controlled?
They are controllable by the pilot manually, electrically, or hydraulically.
What happens to wing flaps in the up (retracted) position?
In the up position, they fit flush with the wings and serve as part of the wing’s trailing edge.
What happens to wing flaps in the down (extended) position?
In the down position, the flaps pivot downward from the hinge points to various angles ranging from 30° to 40°.
What are leading edge slots?
Leading edge slots are built into the wing’s leading edge, allowing for flight at lower than normal landing speeds by increasing lift and improving aircraft handling.
