Private Pilot License (PPL) Aerodynamics Practice Exam

When flaps are deployed during landing, they affect the aircraft by:

1. Reducing drag

2. Increasing stall speed

3. Increasing lift and allowing steeper descents

4. Decreasing the aircraft’s weight

The correct answer is: Increasing lift and allowing steeper descents

When flaps are deployed during landing, they primarily increase lift and allow for steeper descents. This is because flaps change the shape of the wing, significantly enhancing the wing's lift at lower speeds, which is particularly beneficial during approaches and landings. With the increased lift generated by flaps, pilots can maintain control of the aircraft at slower speeds, which is essential for safe landing operations. The ability to descend at a steeper angle also helps align the aircraft with the runway while maintaining a controlled airspeed, thereby improving the overall safety and precision of the landing procedure. This attribute is crucial for ensuring that the aircraft can land in shorter distances and under various conditions. Although flaps also introduce additional drag, which helps to slow the aircraft, their primary role in landing is to provide the necessary lift to manage flight at lower speeds effectively.