Originally Posted by
Jan Olieslagers
Wouldn't the answer vary between aeroplane types? On mine (80 HP high wing 3-axis ultralight) I would certainly avoid flaps until I felt certain the extra drag were acceptable. The one disadvantage being that abruptly going from zero flaps to full flaps might require some quick and hefty elevator action.
And by the way, I don't see why such an experience should be "unsettling". To me it would simply be an incentive to do it all over, until I get it right. Not that my PFL exercises are always very impressive...
Good point, I should have said this was (surprise!) in a C172M.
Why unsettling? Maybe I overstated it, but we were seconds from oblivion and I was annoyed at myself for the poor setup followed by last second confusion.