In normal flight, which flap setting is used?

• A. No flaps
• B. One flap step
• C. Two flaps steps
• D. Three flaps steps

Answer: (A)

In normal flight the aim is to fly efficiently at cruising speed, so the flaps are kept up. Flaps increase wing camber and lift at lower speeds, which is handy for takeoff and landing, but they also create a lot of drag. At cruise you want as little drag as possible to maintain speed and fuel efficiency, and you already have enough lift from the wing at that speed, so flaps stay retracted. The different flap settings are reserved for takeoff or landing scenarios where lower speed and shorter distances are needed, but for normal flight the standard choice is no flaps.