What is the purpose for flaps set to takeoff?

• A. Decrease drag and lift to shorten ground run for takeoff
• B. Increase lift with maximum increase in drag to shorten ground run for takeoff
• C. Decrease drag to shorten ground run for takeoff
• D. Produce the greatest lift with minimal drag to shorten ground run for takeoff

Answer: (D)

Flaps used for takeoff are about increasing lift at a lower speed while keeping drag from becoming a big penalty. By changing the wing shape (camber) and effective angle of attack, flaps let the airplane generate more lift before you reach high airspeeds, which means you can become airborne sooner and with a shorter ground run. At the same time, you don’t want drag to rise too much, or the extra resistance would negate the benefit of the added lift. So the takeoff flap setting is about producing more lift with as little extra drag as possible to shorten the takeoff distance. That’s why this option is the best fit.