Pulled out the NATOPS manual for a high powered piston I once flew courtesy of the USN and looked up the check list for "Airborne Damaged Aircraft". Remember the damage may be as a result of collision or combat.
1. Aircraft controllable - climb, 5000 feet minimum.
2. Communicate - state trouble; request visual inspection
3. Check flight characteristics
(a) Landing configuration
(b) Reduce airspeed in 10 knot increments, minimum 90 knots
DO NOT STALL
4. Fly wide, easy approach; if control problems exist, fly straight in, maintain airspeed 10 knots above minimum obtained during check.
If anyone has problems with the pilots use of flaps, perhaps they can direct their concerns to the USN, in the first instance, so they can amend their procedures.