why aren't there 'autoflaps'?
In this world of autopilots, autothrottles, autobrakes, autoland and so on, why hasn't anyone developed autoflaps?
In some aircraft (744, for e.g.), I believe the FMC already calculates flap retraction and extension speeds and displays them on the PFD during takeoff/climb and approach respectively. So why hasn't the next step been taken to actually automate the process?
I believe the 777 has overspeed protection for the flaps, retracting them until the IAS drops enough to allow them to resume their selected position, but that's not quite what I mean.
As an interested PAX & PPL wannabe, can someone tell me why this idea wouldn't work or wouldn't be a good thing?
Cheers
iffy IFE