Which mechanism increases the surface area of the wings and improves low-speed capabilities, located on the inboard trailing edge and operate together?

Which mechanism increases the surface area of the wings and improves low-speed capabilities, located on the inboard trailing edge and operate together?

• A. Slats
• B. Flaps
• C. Elevators
• D. Wings

Answer: (B)

Flaps are the high-lift devices that increase wing surface area and lift at low speeds. They extend from the trailing edge, typically on the inboard portion of the wing, and move together to create a larger, more cambered wing surface. This increases the lift coefficient at a given angle of attack, allowing slower approach and takeoff speeds and shorter holds. They’re designed to deploy in unison so the lift increases smoothly and predictably across the wing, which helps maintain control during critical low-speed phases. By contrast, leading-edge devices like slats (on the front of the wing) and tail elevators serve different roles, and simply increasing surface area on the trailing edge is what flaps do.

Flaps are the high-lift devices that increase wing surface area and lift at low speeds. They extend from the trailing edge, typically on the inboard portion of the wing, and move together to create a larger, more cambered wing surface. This increases the lift coefficient at a given angle of attack, allowing slower approach and takeoff speeds and shorter holds. They’re designed to deploy in unison so the lift increases smoothly and predictably across the wing, which helps maintain control during critical low-speed phases. By contrast, leading-edge devices like slats (on the front of the wing) and tail elevators serve different roles, and simply increasing surface area on the trailing edge is what flaps do.