For ditching, what is the flap setting during the approach?

For ditching, what is the flap setting during the approach?

• A. 30 degrees
• B. 20 degrees
• C. 10 degrees
• D. 0 degrees

Answer: (C)

Ditching requires a stable, controlled approach with a gentle contact on the water. Flaps help by increasing lift at lower speeds and adding some drag to keep the approach from accelerating or ballooning. A light setting like 10 degrees provides enough lift to maintain a safe approach speed and stable glide path without too much drag that would complicate control or make the touchdown abrupt. Zero flap would leave you faster with less margin, risking a harder impact, while more aggressive flap settings (like 20 or 30 degrees) add drag that can destabilize the approach or make a smooth water touchdown harder to time. So, 10 degrees is the best compromise for the ditching approach.

Ditching requires a stable, controlled approach with a gentle contact on the water. Flaps help by increasing lift at lower speeds and adding some drag to keep the approach from accelerating or ballooning. A light setting like 10 degrees provides enough lift to maintain a safe approach speed and stable glide path without too much drag that would complicate control or make the touchdown abrupt. Zero flap would leave you faster with less margin, risking a harder impact, while more aggressive flap settings (like 20 or 30 degrees) add drag that can destabilize the approach or make a smooth water touchdown harder to time. So, 10 degrees is the best compromise for the ditching approach.