AA.VII.G.K1FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Knowledge
Airplane flight characteristics when flaps, leading edge devices, and other similar dev...
Airplane flight characteristics when flaps, leading edge devices, and other similar devices malfunction or become inoperative.
Bottom line
Leading edge devices are high lift devices found on the leading edge of the airfoil; the most common types are fixed slots, movable slats, and leading edge flaps. Leading edge slots, slats, and flaps are used to improve the low-speed characteristics during takeoff, climb, and landing. Flap extension, particularly beyond 30 degrees, results in significant levels of drag that can produce a high sink rate the pilot needs to control with power.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 50 knot reduction in stall speed is not uncommon with leading edge and trailing edge high-lift devices | Stall speed cut |
| significant drag particularly beyond 30 degrees of flap extension | Flap drag |
FAA references
- AFH Glossary (p. G-9) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-50) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AFH ch. 12, Operational Procedures (p. 12-4) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- PHAK Glossary (p. G-17) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
- SAFO 19001 — SAFO 19001
Build understanding you can use
Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.
- Full teaching sections: What it is; Key points
- Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
- Common mistakes paired with the FAA facts that correct them