Flaps

Flaps are movable surfaces on the wing, usually near the trailing edge, that change the wing camber and sometimes wing area. Extending flaps increases lift at low speed, but it also increases drag, so they are used for take-off and landing. Flap selection changes pitch and trim, so the pilot must expect control forces and retrim as needed. Flaps must be used within the aircraft’s approved speeds and according to the checklist or flight manual.