On landing, what is the advantage of using flaps?

The use of flaps during landing primarily serves to permit a steeper and slower approach. When flaps are deployed, they increase the wing's surface area and change its shape, which enhances lift at lower speeds. This increased lift allows the aircraft to maintain controlled flight at slower airspeeds, promoting a better descent angle for landing.

In practice, this means that a pilot can fly a steeper glide path without gaining excessive speed, allowing for more precise positioning over the runway. It is particularly beneficial in scenarios where obstacles are present near the approach path or in controlled airport environments where a steep approach may be required.

By facilitating a controlled and stable descent, flaps contribute significantly to landing safety and efficiency, enabling pilots to execute landings more effectively, especially in conditions that may require extra attention to approach angles.