Why are flaps down in landing?

For most landings, the flaps are down. Normally, when you point a plane downward, it accelerates—which is the opposite of what you want to do while landing. Flaps help you slow the plane down, and make a steeper descent without increasing airspeed as much.

Why do planes taxi with flaps down?

As the plane accelerates and climbs, the drag increases and the need for increased lift diminishes, so the flaps and slats are retracted in stages as airspeed increases. For landing, increased lift from extended flaps and slats lets the plane touch down at a lower speed, which reduces ground roll on the runway.

Do you land with flaps up or down?

Come down final with the flaps up and enough speed to keep the airplane aligned with the desired track on the runway in a side, not a forward, slip. Flare just enough to keep the nosewheel from touching down, then touch down on the upwind main landing gear.

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.

Why do pilots retract flaps?

As the aircraft accelerates after take-off, the extra lift generated by having the flaps extended will be countered by the extra drag generated by the increased speed so they are retracted in stages to maintain that balance.

Can plane take off without flaps?

Yes take-off without flaps is possible. The Airbus A300 and Boeing 767 are approved for such take-offs and it is being done regularly. It results in a better climb gradient, especially with one engine out. The one engine out climb gradient is an important and sometimes limiting factor in take-off calculations.

What is mode Charlie?

Squawk mode Charlie is a mode that transmits all the data an ATCer needs.