Why are flaps down during takeoff?

The next time you fly in an airliner, watch the wings during takeoff and landing. On takeoff, we want high lift and low drag, so the flaps will be set downward at a moderate setting. During landing we want high lift and high drag, so the flaps and slats will be fully deployed.



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When the airplane is taking off, the flaps help to produce more lift. Conversely, flaps allow for a steep but controllable angle during landing. During both, efficient use of flaps help to shorten the amount of runway length needed for takeoff and landing.

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4) Takeoff flap settings typically vary between 5-15 degrees. Aircraft use takeoff flap settings that are usually between 5-15 degrees (most jets use leading edge slats as well). That's quite a bit different than landing, when aircraft typically use 25-40 degrees of flaps.

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Most of the time, landing flap will be determined by the landing performance required, flap 30 is nearly always desirable unless we need the lower approach speed, or if increased forward visibility is required such as during low vis ops. Performance is the determining factor.

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All takeoffs and most landing are done manually. In reduced visibility conditions, many airliners utilize auto land where the autopilot(s) perform the landing under the close monitoring of the pilots.

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