Ace the Skies in 2025: Take Off with the Ultimate Airline Transport Pilot Knowledge Quiz!

When flaps are extended on an aircraft, both lift and drag experience an increase. The primary purpose of deploying flaps is to enhance the lift generated by the wings at lower speeds, especially during takeoff and landing phases. When flaps are extended, the wing's camber is increased, which results in a higher lift coefficient. This allows the aircraft to generate more lift at a given airspeed, helping to maintain controlled flight at slower speeds.

At the same time, the extension of flaps also increases parasitic drag. The increase in drag occurs because the flaps alter the airflow over the wing, creating more turbulence and enhancing the overall drag force acting on the aircraft. This is beneficial during takeoff and landing as it assists in slowing the aircraft down.

Understanding the relationship between lift and drag when flaps are employed is crucial for pilots, as it affects approach angles, stall speeds, and landing distances. The increase in both lift and drag helps improve the aircraft's performance during critical phases of flight.