Aerodynamics
Flaps
At a glance
Meaning of Flaps
Movable wing surfaces that increase lift at lower speeds.
More about Flaps
Flaps are normally fitted along the wing's trailing edge. Extension changes wing shape and, on some designs, area, increasing lift capability and usually drag.
Aircraft-specific flap settings are used for takeoff and landing. The clean configuration used in cruise differs from the landing configuration, and retraction follows the applicable speed schedule.