Under what condition can the flaps be lowered to the landing position during a PEL?

Under what condition can the flaps be lowered to the landing position during a PEL?

• A. When the aircraft is at high key
• B. When a controlled descent is assured
• C. When landing is assured
• D. When nearing the touchdown zone

Answer: (C)

The correct understanding involves knowing that the flaps can only be lowered to the landing position when landing is assured. This condition indicates that the aircraft is in a stable configuration for landing, with a suitable approach and descent path established. In a Precision Emergency Landing (PEL), the pilot must ensure that a safe landing is guaranteed before extending the flaps. Lowering the flaps prematurely could lead to an unstable approach or an increase in drag that could jeopardize the ability to reach the intended landing area safely. While the other options involve important aspects of flight, they don’t directly guarantee that a landing is assured. Being at high key or having a controlled descent does not necessarily mean the landing phase is secure. Similarly, nearing the touchdown zone could still be risky if the approach is not properly managed. Thus, extending the flaps should be reserved until there is clear certainty that landing will occur successfully.

The correct understanding involves knowing that the flaps can only be lowered to the landing position when landing is assured. This condition indicates that the aircraft is in a stable configuration for landing, with a suitable approach and descent path established.

In a Precision Emergency Landing (PEL), the pilot must ensure that a safe landing is guaranteed before extending the flaps. Lowering the flaps prematurely could lead to an unstable approach or an increase in drag that could jeopardize the ability to reach the intended landing area safely.

While the other options involve important aspects of flight, they don’t directly guarantee that a landing is assured. Being at high key or having a controlled descent does not necessarily mean the landing phase is secure. Similarly, nearing the touchdown zone could still be risky if the approach is not properly managed. Thus, extending the flaps should be reserved until there is clear certainty that landing will occur successfully.