What is the primary effect of extending flaps on stall speed and approach speed?

• A. Flaps lower stall speed by increasing wing camber and lift at low speeds, but add drag, requiring adjustments to approach speeds.
• B. Flaps lower stall speed and drag is reduced, making approach speeds easier.
• C. Flaps have no effect on stall speed.
• D. Flaps increase stall speed due to drag.

Answer: (A)

Extending flaps increases wing camber and the lift produced at lower speeds, so the stall speed drops. That lets you fly slower without stalling. The trade-off is that flaps also add drag, which makes the airplane slower to accelerate and changes the energy state during approach. Because of that extra drag, you adjust your approach speed to maintain a safe margin above stall and to handle the descent and landing cleanly. In short: flight at a lower stall speed is possible with flaps down, but you must manage higher drag by choosing an appropriate approach speed.