Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Flight Deck Forums > Tech Log
Reload this Page >

Boeing Flap Detent Numbering

Wikiposts
Search

Notices
Tech Log The very best in practical technical discussion on the web

Boeing Flap Detent Numbering

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 17th September 2011 | 00:29
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Boeing Flap Detent Numbering

Just out of curiosity...

Th flap detents on most (?) Boeing models appear to be assigned arbitrary numbers (1, 5 ,10 15... 30) which do not appear to correspond to flap/slat deflection angle or wing camber.

I assume that this is a legacy numbering system dating back some years.

Does anyone know the origins/explanation for this?
nick2007 is offline  
Reply
Old 17th September 2011 | 00:56
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: West Indies
Boeing flap numbering.

I only flew the B707 and the flap numbers reflected the flap angles, same for DC 9s, MD 80s and L1011s. However Airbus 320,330 and 340 family used 1,2,3 and Full positions which were not related to flap angles.
dhardesthard is offline  
Reply
Old 17th September 2011 | 07:46
  #3 (permalink)  
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 1,305
From: Australia
I assume that this is a legacy numbering system dating back some years.

Does anyone know the origins/explanation for this?
nick2007 is offline Report Post Reply
My understanding from a Boeing (Seattle) instructor pilot in 1978 was that in the case of the Boeing 737 series the flap numbering you described were units of flap - not necessarily corresponding degrees of flap.
Centaurus is offline  
Reply
Old 17th September 2011 | 10:01
  #4 (permalink)  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 775
Likes: 2
From: near EDDF
The AMM from the 737 Jurassic (-200) say:
...
The angle of flap extension is measured relative to the wing chord plane.
When the flaps are fully retracted, the trailing edge of the aftflap is aligned with the wing chord plane.
When the flaps are extended to 40 units, the angle between the wing chord plane and the midflap is approximately 43 degrees.
Since the aftflap moves relative to the midflap, the aftflap rotates to an angle of approximately 69 degrees from the wing chord plane.
...
IFixPlanes is offline  
Reply
Old 17th September 2011 | 14:44
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: New York & California
dhardesthard

I only flew the B707 and the flap numbers reflected the flap angles, same for DC 9s, MD 80s and L1011s.
Makes sense.


Centaurus

My understanding from a Boeing (Seattle) instructor pilot in 1978 was that in the case of the Boeing 737 series the flap numbering you described were units of flap - not necessarily corresponding degrees of flap.
Fascinating, I never knew that.
Jane-DoH is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.