Flaps and Approach
Big Idea
Flaps change the shape of the wing — they let you fly slower and descend steeper for landing.
Fun Fact
Flaps are like the brakes of the sky — they add drag to slow you down and let you come down steeper.
What You Will Learn
- Add 10 degrees of flaps — notice the airplane slows down
- Add 20 degrees — more drag, steeper descent
- Add 30 degrees (full flaps) — slowest speed, steepest descent
- Know the speed limit for flaps: the white arc on the airspeed indicator
Simulator Steps
- Set up for approach — slow to about 90 knots
- Add 10 degrees of flaps — feel the airplane slow down
- Add 20 degrees — the nose drops, add a little back pressure
- On final approach, add full flaps (30 degrees)
- Maintain about 65 knots on final — this is approach speed
What You Learned
- Flaps let you fly slower and descend steeper
- Add flaps in stages: 10 → 20 → 30
- Check the white arc for maximum flap speed