What happens to lift when flaps are retracted during a short field landing?

When flaps are retracted during a short field landing, lift decreases. Flaps are used to increase lift at lower speeds by altering the wing's shape and increasing its camber. This enhances the airflow over the wings, allowing the aircraft to maintain lift at slower airspeeds, which is crucial during landing.

When the flaps are retracted, the wing reverts to its original shape, which typically has less camber compared to when the flaps are extended. As a result, the lift generated by the wings diminishes, which can lead to a higher stall speed. This reduction in lift during the final stages of landing can impact the aircraft's ability to maintain controlled flight at lower airspeeds, making it critical for pilots to manage flap usage properly, especially on short field landings.

Understanding this relationship between flap position and lift is crucial for safe flying, particularly in scenarios that require precision in landing to minimize runway use.