Private Pilot Private Exam

What is one purpose of wing flaps?

1. To enable the pilot to make steeper approaches to a landing without increasing the airspeed

2. To increase the controllability of the aircraft at high speeds

3. To reduce fuel consumption during flight

4. To assist in the takeoff roll

The correct answer is: To enable the pilot to make steeper approaches to a landing without increasing the airspeed

One purpose of wing flaps is to enable the pilot to make steeper approaches to a landing without increasing the airspeed. When deployed, flaps increase the curvature (camber) of the wing, which enhances lift at lower speeds. This allows the aircraft to slow down while still maintaining a viable lift-to-drag ratio. Consequently, it enables a shallower angle of descent, which is particularly useful for approaching runways with obstacles or when a steeper glide slope is desired. This functionality of flaps is critical for improving landing performance, especially in situations where approach angles need to be adjusted without sacrificing safety margins.