During stall recovery, how should flap retraction be coordinated with airspeed?

• A. Retracting flaps abruptly is best to restore speed quickly.
• B. Retraction of flaps should be avoided during recovery.
• C. Flap retraction should be delayed until the airspeed is well above stall.
• D. Retracting flaps smoothly as airspeed increases helps restore lift gradually and stabilize the approach.

Answer: (D)

During stall recovery, the goal is to regain controllable flight by lowering the angle of attack and building airspeed in a controlled way. Flaps are used to provide extra lift at low speeds, but they also add drag and change the aircraft’s lift characteristics. Retracting flaps smoothly as the airspeed increases keeps lift available as you accelerate without causing abrupt changes in lift or pitching moment. This helps you maintain control, prevent a second stall, and move toward a stabilized flight path.

Retracting flaps abruptly can lead to sudden changes in lift and trim that destabilize the recovery, so it’s not the best approach. Holding flaps until well above stall keeps you in a high-drag, low-speed condition longer than necessary, making the recovery slower and more difficult. Flaps should be retracted in a progressive, speed-based manner to balance lift, drag, and stability as you climb back to safe flight.