Flaps tend to create more DRAG and LIFT.

Because of the increase drag on the plane, you normally want to increase engine speed a bit to compensate.

Your best bet is to learn how to use them via direct experience.

Do this.

Take your plane high, and fly a circuit. As you enter into the closer part of the circuit, drop the throttle to the point the plane flies level without loosing altitude.

Then drop the flaps and observe the results.

Did the nose of the plane balloon up?

Did the plane fly level then slowed down and started nosing down in a decent?

Practice this several times.

Then do it again, but lower the engine to a very high idle.

Again observe the results on the plane.


Take your plane up and imagine the runway is about 20 - 30 feet above the ground, but exactly where it is now.

Shoot a few approaches to your high level invisible runway.

Then do the same, but this time dropping the flaps before you enter finals.


You need to get used to both the change in characteristics of the plane as the flaps move up and down, and the low speed handling during approaches with the flaps up and down.

With flaps the plane can get slower, but if it gets TOO slow, it may drop a wing and nose over.

However usually the latter occurs at speeds much much slower than a novice expects.


Do not be tempted to chop the throttle completely on landings with flaps.

Except for trainers, this is normally not a good idea. You typically want a small amount of thrust to keep the plane moving forward while decending. And in winds you may need more for control.