Enroute use of Slats/Flaps is what?

• A. Prohibited
• B. Permitted with restrictions
• C. Optional
• D. Mandatory for takeoff

Answer: (A)

Slats and flaps are high‑lift devices used to increase wing lift at low speeds during takeoff and landing. In enroute (cruise) flight, the aircraft is flown at high speeds where extra lift is not needed, and the added camber from slats and flaps creates a large drag penalty. That drag reduces fuel efficiency and overall performance, and the wing is designed to be in a clean, retracted configuration for cruise. For these reasons, extending slats or flaps enroute is not allowed in normal operations; they’re kept retracted to maintain optimal speeds and efficiency.