The maximum altitude for flaps/slats extended is which of the following?

The maximum altitude for flaps/slats extended is which of the following?

• A. 12,000 ft
• B. 16,000 ft
• C. 20,000 ft
• D. 24,000 ft

Answer: (C)

Extending flaps and slats changes the wing’s lift and drag characteristics. That configuration is certified for use during takeoff and landing, when extra lift at lower speeds is needed. However, as you climb to higher altitudes, air becomes thinner and the airplane must operate with tighter stall and maneuver margins. The design and certification of the Flaps/Slats Extended condition limit safe operation to a certain altitude, where there is still enough air density and control authority to maintain safe flight and recoverability. For the Embraer 175 family in this context, that limit is twenty thousand feet. Above that, the airplane isn’t certified to sustain extended flaps/slats, so you must retract them to ensure safe performance.

Extending flaps and slats changes the wing’s lift and drag characteristics. That configuration is certified for use during takeoff and landing, when extra lift at lower speeds is needed. However, as you climb to higher altitudes, air becomes thinner and the airplane must operate with tighter stall and maneuver margins. The design and certification of the Flaps/Slats Extended condition limit safe operation to a certain altitude, where there is still enough air density and control authority to maintain safe flight and recoverability. For the Embraer 175 family in this context, that limit is twenty thousand feet. Above that, the airplane isn’t certified to sustain extended flaps/slats, so you must retract them to ensure safe performance.