What is the purpose of using flaps during slow flight?

The purpose of using flaps during slow flight is to enhance slow speed handling characteristics. Flaps increase the wing's lift at lower airspeeds, allowing the aircraft to operate safely and effectively at slower speeds. This increased lift enables the pilot to maintain control and stability, which is particularly crucial when flying at slow speeds, such as during a final approach for landing or in maneuvers that require reduced speed.

By deploying flaps, the aircraft can maintain a higher angle of attack without stalling, thus enabling the pilot to manage the aircraft more easily in slow flight. This control is essential for many flight operations, especially for approaches to landing and during training exercises focusing on slow speed handling.

While flaps do increase drag, which is significant in various phases of flight, their primary purpose in slow flight is to improve the handling characteristics, not to reduce drag or increase engine performance. Flaps are not primarily used to facilitate takeoff; they are typically utilized to allow for a lower stall speed and improve safety during low-speed operations.