What is the primary purpose of flaps during takeoff and landing?

The primary purpose of flaps during takeoff and landing is to reduce takeoff and landing speeds. Flaps extend from the wings and change their shape, increasing the wing's surface area and altering the airflow characteristics around the wing. This modification allows the wing to generate more lift at lower speeds, enabling the aircraft to take off and land safely and efficiently.

By deploying flaps, pilots can operate the aircraft at lower airspeeds without risking stalls. This is crucial during these critical phases of flight, as it allows for steeper angles of descent and shorter landing rolls without needing excessive speed. The increased lift generated by the flaps facilitates safe maneuvers close to the ground, which can be particularly important in scenarios where runway space is limited.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the role of flaps. For example, flaps do not increase stall speed; rather, they decrease the stall speed by enhancing lift. Similarly, increasing takeoff and landing speeds would be counterproductive to flaps' function, and while flaps do impact airflow at high speeds, their primary function is not to increase lift under those conditions but rather to help manage the aircraft's behavior at lower speeds during critical phases of flight.