Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

During a normal approach, when should flaps be lowered?

1. At the beginning of the final approach

2. Abeam the touchdown point while on downwind

3. After clearing for traffic

4. Once landing gear is confirmed down

The correct answer is: Abeam the touchdown point while on downwind

Lowering the flaps abeam the touchdown point while on downwind is aligned with the standard operating procedures for many aircraft during a normal approach. This timing facilitates a controlled descent and allows the pilot to maintain a desired airspeed while managing the descent rate effectively. By extending the flaps at this point, the pilot can take advantage of the increased lift and drag that flaps provide, which helps to achieve the appropriate approach configuration before turning onto final. The sequence of events during an approach is crucial as it affects aircraft handling and performance. Lowering the flaps too early could lead to an unstable approach, while delaying it until the final stages could compel a faster descent than desired, impacting control and safety during landing. Thus, the timing of lowering the flaps at this specific point works to ensure that the aircraft is properly configured to optimize performance as it nears landing.