What role do the flaps serve during landing?

During landing, flaps are deployed primarily to enhance lift at lower airspeeds, which is crucial for a safe landing approach. When flaps are extended, they change the airfoil characteristics of the wing by increasing its camber, thereby allowing the wing to generate more lift at a reduced speed. This is important because landing typically occurs at lower airspeeds. By increasing lift, the aircraft can maintain controlled flight close to the ground, allowing for a smoother landing and enabling the pilot to reduce airspeed without risking stall.

While flaps do also contribute to drag, their primary function during landing is to enhance lift, which directly supports the aircraft's ability to fly safely and effectively at the slower speeds required for landing.