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Glite Dictionary
landing flap

landing flap

5.5
A part under a plane wing that moves down to give more lift and slow the plane when landing
  • noun
  • /ˈlændɪŋ flæp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : flap de aterrizaje
  • The pilot deployed the landing flap to reduce the speed before touching down on the runway.

Examples

  • Lowering the landing flap helps create more lift at slower speeds during approach.

  • Pilots must adjust the landing flaps before touchdown.

  • A malfunction in the landing flap delayed the flight until repairs were made.

  • The landing flap helps the plane slow down.

  • Lowering the landing flap helps create more lift at slower speeds during approach.

  • The pilot deployed the landing flap to reduce the speed before touching down on the runway.

  • Pilots must adjust the landing flaps before touchdown.

Synonyms

flap
vslanding flap
  • Specialized
20 5.9

A movable part on an airplane wing that increases lift during takeoff and landing

is deployed mainly during landing to increase lift and reduce speed

How Extended

landing flap
  • Specialized
5.5
flap
  • Specialized
20 5.9

Surface Forms

landing flap singular
landing flaps plural

Morphology

landing + flap

The compound 'landing flap' is compositionally built from 'landing' (the act of descending) + 'flap' (a hinged aerodynamic surface), so its meaning — a flap used during landing — is directly derivable from the constituents. This follows a common noun-noun compounding pattern found across languages and would be clear to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

The name landing flap comes from a real, movable flap on a plane's wing that pilots lower when they are landing. Lowering the flap gives the plane more 'lift' and helps it 'slow down', so pilots use it to land safely.