Can a Plane Use Flaps in a Turn? Exploring the Effects and Safety

You may have heard the debate surrounding the use of flaps in turns while flying. Some argue that using flaps while turning can cause a split flap condition, which can be dangerous. However, this argument is not entirely accurate.

In reality, many aircraft manufacturers design planes to prevent split flap malfunctions from happening. The FAA also requires manufacturers to design planes in a way that makes split flap malfunctions virtually impossible or controllable. Therefore, using flaps in a turn is not as dangerous as some may believe.

In fact, using flaps in a turn can increase safety by decreasing stall speed, increasing descent rate, and lowering airspeed. Flaps can also help tighten turn radius without increasing load factor, which can be dangerous.

Having flaps engaged can be helpful in tightening the turn radius of an aircraft, increasing the horizontal component of lift, and creating drag to slow down faster.

As a pilot, you should encourage the use of flaps and emphasize that landing on speed is the most important part of making a smooth landing. Using flaps can help you achieve this goal and make your landings safer and smoother.

Flaps During Turns?

The topic of using flaps during turns is a highly debated one in the aviation world. The primary function of flaps is to increase lift and decrease stall speed, allowing for slower maneuvers and steeper approaches. The question remains, however, whether they should be used in turns.

One argument against using flaps during turns lies in the potential risks associated with flap failure. For example, if the inboard wing flap fails while deployed in a turn, it could lead to an uncontrolled roll and pose a significant danger to the aircraft and its occupants. In some (extremely rare) situations, pilots have experienced such issues when deploying flaps during turns, leading to debates about the safety of this practice.

I believe that using flaps in turns can actually improve maneuverability and enhance overall flight performance. By lowering the stall speed, flaps can, in theory, make it harder for the aircraft to stall during a turn. However, this advantage may be counteracted by the additional drag created by the flaps, which could reduce airspeed and ultimately lead to a stall if the aircraft is moving too slowly.

In any case, it is essential for pilots to understand the unique specifications and limitations of their particular aircraft and adjust their flying techniques accordingly. The decision to use flaps in a turn ultimately depends on the specific situation, the aircraft’s design, and the pilot’s experience and training.

Various resources and discussions can offer insights and opinions on this matter, such as Pilots of America and AOPA. As with many topics in aviation, there is no definitive right or wrong answer, but it’s crucial for pilots to be well-informed and vigilant when making decisions on using flaps during turns.

How Flaps Affect Flight Performance

In this section, we will explore the impact of flaps on aircraft performance, focusing on the aspects of airspeed, altitude, stall speed, and angle of attack.

Airspeed and Altitude Considerations

When a pilot deploys flaps, it changes the shape of the aircraft’s wing, which in turn affects its lift and drag characteristics. By increasing the wing’s camber and surface area, flaps can produce more lift and permit lower airspeeds. Deploying flaps also increases drag, allowing an aircraft to descend at a steeper angle without an increase in airspeed¹. In general aviation, flaps are commonly used during approach and landing, allowing aircraft like the Cessna and Cherokee to maintain a slower, more controllable airspeed during descent².

Impact on Stall Speed and Angle of Attack

Flaps play a crucial role in managing stall speed and angle of attack (AOA). By reducing the stall speed, flaps allow pilots to fly at slower airspeeds without the risk of entering a stall condition, increasing an aircraft’s safety during takeoff and landing. Additionally, the increased camber generated by flaps raises the wing’s lift coefficient, allowing the aircraft to achieve an increased angle of attack before stalling.

Pilot’s Operating Handbooks (POH) specify the configurations for deploying flaps, which vary between aircraft, such as the Cessna and Cherokee. There might be different settings like partial or full flaps that pilots must heed for optimal performance and safety.

Aircraft equipped with slats, airfoils that deploy at the front of the wing, work in tandem with wing flaps to further enhance aerodynamics during takeoff and landing. The combined effect of flaps and slats increases the lift coefficient while maintaining lower airspeeds, minimizing the risk of stall conditions⁵.

The use of flaps provides aircraft with substantial performance benefits, particularly during takeoff and landing phases. By altering the wing’s characteristics, flaps ensure a safer and more controlled flight experience for pilots, especially in general aviation.

Special Aircraft and Flap Considerations

In this section, we’ll discuss some special aircraft and flap considerations, particularly focusing on high-wing airplanes and floatplanes, as well as manual flaps in general aviation.

High-Wing Airplanes and Floatplanes

High-wing airplanes, such as the Maule, are particularly popular for their excellent visibility and inherent stability. However, when it comes to using flaps in a turn, there are specific considerations. For instance, in high-wing airplanes, the center of lift is already higher, meaning that any additional lift provided by the flaps will also be higher. This can cause a larger pitching moment and may make the turn more challenging to manage.

Floatplanes are another category of aircraft where using flaps in a turn can present unique challenges.

Floatplanes typically have a high-drag configuration, and flap deployment can exacerbate this issue, making the airplane more susceptible to stall if not properly managed. It is critical for floatplane pilots to be aware of their aircraft’s specific performance characteristics and to follow recommended operating procedures for their type of aircraft.

Manual Flaps in General Aviation

Many general aviation aircraft are equipped with manual flaps, which are operated by mechanical means rather than hydraulic or electric systems. These flaps can provide the pilot with a greater degree of control and feedback but may also require more attention and input during maneuvers.

Using flaps in a turn should be approached cautiously and only when necessary. The ideal approach would be to complete any flap adjustments before entering the turn or after leveling off, ensuring that the aircraft’s performance and stability characteristics are not adversely impacted. With manual flaps, it is essential to monitor their position and the airplane’s handling characteristics throughout the turn to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.

Final Thoughts

The use of flaps in turns during flight remains a contested topic. While some argue that this practice risks a dangerous split flap condition, aircraft manufacturers and FAA regulations have largely mitigated these concerns, as planes are designed to prevent such malfunctions.

In fact, employing flaps in turns can enhance safety by decreasing stall speed, increasing descent rate, lowering airspeed, and tightening turn radius without elevating load factor. However, understanding an aircraft’s unique specifications and adjusting techniques accordingly remains crucial.

Flaps are especially beneficial during landing, enhancing maneuverability, and reducing airspeed, preventing stall conditions. Specific aircraft, like high-wing planes and floatplanes, present unique challenges, requiring special consideration when using flaps.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but knowing your aircraft well and staying alert is really important when deciding to use flaps.