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2 Answers

Adding flaps in a turn?

Asked by: 2548 views
Aerodynamics, Flight Instructor, Student Pilot

Is there a risk of an inadvertent roll when adding flaps in a turn? I'm curious as to peoples thoughts on the topic as I've heard multiple views on this! I've been having my students do 90kts & 10' on downwind, 80kts & 20' on base, and 70kts & 30' on final........But I flew with the DPE the other day who is/will be giving my students check-rides. He put 30' flaps in on the downwind to base turn our airspeed at the time was above the white arc (5-10kts). He said it was all about aircraft attitude. I asked him about asymmetrical flap extension and he said it would never happen. I'm a new CFI and I want to be able to stand my ground on this topic, that is if I'm correct. Thanks

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2 Answers



  1. Drew on Jan 31, 2017

    http://www.askacfi.com/29504/possible-dangers-of-adding-flaps-in-a-turn.htm is a good starting point

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  2. Ken White on Jan 31, 2017

    My 2 cents. If the DPE likes to see all the flaps dumped on the downwind to base turn that is his preference. As a DPE he is required to evaluate your student based on the ACS standards. The standards basically say that as long as the student is on a stabilized approach with the recommended flap settings and approach speeds they are good. I’m sure a DPE see things all the time they would have taught differently but as long as your student flies the maneuvers to ACS standards the DPE has to pass them. If the DPE fails a student for something not listed in the ACS but instead based on their preference I would first plead my case to that DPE and if that didn’t work I’d go straight to the local FSDO.

    BTW, the technique you listed for pattern speed/flaps is widely taught by many CFI’s including myself.

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