Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of excessive use of flaps during landing?

1. Increased lift.

2. Improper airspeed management.

3. Higher stall speed.

4. Improved control on final approach.

The correct answer is: Improper airspeed management.

Excessive use of flaps during landing can lead to improper airspeed management. When flaps are extended beyond the recommended settings, it can cause the aircraft to slow down more than intended. This may result in the pilot losing optimal control of the airspeed, risking the possibility of stalling or becoming dangerously slow as they approach the landing phase. Under normal conditions, flaps are used to create additional lift at lower speeds, but if they are mismanaged, they can also increase drag significantly. This increase in drag can affect the pilot's ability to maintain the desired landing speed. Maintaining the correct approach speed is vital for safe landings, as it ensures that the aircraft remains controllable and achieves the necessary lift until touchdown. While the use of flaps does enhance lift and can improve control on final, their excessive extension can create more challenges than benefits, particularly regarding airspeed management.