<P> Depending on the aircraft type, flaps may be partially extended for takeoff . When used during takeoff, flaps trade runway distance for climb rate: using flaps reduces ground roll but also reduces the climb rate . The amount of flap used on takeoff is specific to each type of aircraft, and the manufacturer will suggest limits and may indicate the reduction in climb rate to be expected . The Cessna 172S Pilot Operating Handbook generally recommends 10 ° of flaps on takeoff, especially when the ground is rough or soft . </P> <P> Flaps may be fully extended for landing to give the aircraft a lower stall speed so the approach to landing can be flown more slowly, which also allows the aircraft to land in a shorter distance . The higher lift and drag associated with fully extended flaps allows a steeper and slower approach to the landing site, but imposes handling difficulties in aircraft with very low wing loading (i.e. having little weight and a large wing area). Winds across the line of flight, known as crosswinds, cause the windward side of the aircraft to generate more lift and drag, causing the aircraft to roll, yaw and pitch off its intended flight path, and as a result many light aircraft land with reduced flap settings in crosswinds . Furthermore, once the aircraft is on the ground, the flaps may decrease the effectiveness of the brakes since the wing is still generating lift and preventing the entire weight of the aircraft from resting on the tires, thus increasing stopping distance, particularly in wet or icy conditions . Usually, the pilot will raise the flaps as soon as possible to prevent this from occurring . </P> <P> Some gliders not only use flaps when landing, but also in flight to optimize the camber of the wing for the chosen speed . When thermalling, flaps may be partially extended to reduce the stalling speed so that the glider can be flown more slowly and thereby reduce the rate of sink, which lets the glider use the rising air of the thermal more efficiently, and to turn in a smaller circle to make best use of the core of the thermal . At higher speeds a negative flap setting is used to reduce the nose - down pitching moment . This reduces the balancing load required on the horizontal stabilizer, which in turn reduces the trim drag associated with keeping the glider in longitudinal trim . Negative flap may also be used during the initial stage of an aerotow launch and at the end of the landing run in order to maintain better control by the ailerons . </P> <P> Like gliders, some fighters such as the Nakajima Ki - 43 also use special flaps to improve maneuverability during air combat, allowing the fighter to create more lift at a given speed, allowing for much tighter turns . The flaps used for this must be designed specifically to handle the greater stresses and most flaps have a maximum speed at which they can be deployed . Control line model aircraft built for precision aerobatics competition usually have a type of maneuvering flap system that moves them in an opposing direction to the elevators, to assist in tightening the radius of a maneuver . </P>

Where are the flaps located on a plane