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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-flap-drag-growth

As flaps extend farther, which usually grows faster, lift or drag?

Drag grows faster than lift.

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  1. Lift
  2. Drag ✔
  3. Neither changes

Why: Flaps increase both lift and drag. As they extend farther, the FAA handbook says drag increases at a greater rate than lift.

Huh, didn't know that: Flaps are the most common high-lift devices on airplanes.

The dad joke
The flaps stayed after school because they were a little behind.
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References

Answer: Drag. Flaps increase both lift and drag. As they extend farther, the FAA handbook says drag increases at a greater rate than lift.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 6 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/08_phak_ch6.pdf
    As flaps are extended, drag increases at a greater rate than lift.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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