I SHAKE MY HEAD at this thread...BUBBERS ... I KNOW BUBBERS IS A VERY EXPERIENCED AIRLINE PILOT...NO QUESTION ABOUT IT>
Punkalover...you seem to know your stuff and I respect it.
There is a simple way to understand flap useage. OUR forefathers in aviation knew that the higher the landing speed...the more potential for problems ( and no, don't go blaming tailwheels)...THe slower you can safely land the better, and VOILA FLAPS
Bubber's example bout the FO floating away the runway is exactly my point.
Having more flaps makes the engines do more work and VOILA are more able to respond quickly to either windshear or goaround(or even bounced landings...but that is another thread).
MORE flaps means you will stop better, using less wheel brakes, your brakes will stay cooler for the next takeoff if there is a quick turn.
And yes, if your FLIGHT MANUAL says do something...chances are YOU SHOULD DO IT THAT WAY.
sheesh...spandex must be wrapped around this guys brain!