Which device increases drag to enable a steeper descent?

Which device increases drag to enable a steeper descent?

• A. Spoilers
• B. Flaps
• C. Ailerons
• D. Rudder

Answer: (A)

Spoilers act as airbrakes on the wings. When they are deployed, they disrupt the smooth airflow over the wing, reducing lift and increasing drag. That combination lets the airplane descend more steeply without gaining speed, which is exactly what you want for a controlled, steeper approach. Flaps also create drag, but their main job is to increase lift at lower speeds to allow safer takeoffs and landings; they're not primarily used to force a steeper descent. Ailerons and rudder control roll and yaw, not descent rate or drag, so they aren’t the right tool for this purpose. So the device best at increasing drag to enable a steeper descent is the spoiler.

Spoilers act as airbrakes on the wings. When they are deployed, they disrupt the smooth airflow over the wing, reducing lift and increasing drag. That combination lets the airplane descend more steeply without gaining speed, which is exactly what you want for a controlled, steeper approach.

Flaps also create drag, but their main job is to increase lift at lower speeds to allow safer takeoffs and landings; they're not primarily used to force a steeper descent. Ailerons and rudder control roll and yaw, not descent rate or drag, so they aren’t the right tool for this purpose.

So the device best at increasing drag to enable a steeper descent is the spoiler.