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Flaps and ailerons

Asked by: 3403 views Aerodynamics, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

Why are flaps installed near the wing root? I'm guessing it has something to do with the weight of the fuselage being at the center but I know there is more to it than that. Also, why is the ailerons on the outward part of the wings? Please simplify your answers.

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1 Answers



  1. Brad on Apr 18, 2015

    Ailerons are at the outer part of the wing for effectiveness. The farther the force is applied from the center of effort, the more effective it will be. In weight and balance it is called the Arm. If they were only on the wing root, you would need a lot more force to roll the airplane.
    Flaps work togther, so having themat the root works fine. If you were to put the flaps on the entire trailing edge, this would be even better. We call these flaperons. They are used in aircraft that are designed to fly very slowly. Short Take Off and Landing (STOL)

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