Which flap setting is used to lose altitude even more quickly?

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

Answer: (D)

Extending flaps increases both lift and drag, but the important part for losing altitude quickly is the drag. As you add flap steps, the wing creates more drag, which slows the aircraft and makes it descend on a steeper path. The maximum flap setting produces the most drag, giving the steepest descent and fastest loss of altitude at a given airspeed. That’s why full flaps are used when you need to descend more quickly, such as during the approach phase, while you must still manage speed to stay within safe limits. With no flaps or only small flap extensions, drag is lower and the descent rate is not as rapid.