I can understand your point Lu and RRAAMJET but I have flown in quite a few aircrafts with a seat allocation next to the wings and do realize that a whining noise is heard when flaps and slats are being selected. But in this case I felt the sound was extremely loud and could be heard in all areas of the cabin.
Is it possible that after a lot of cycles (resulting to age and then wear) during flaps and slats selection the drive units or screw jacks make a louder noise when in operation.
Thanks guys
Zazoo