Where are flaps located on an aircraft wing?

Flaps are typically located on the trailing edge of an aircraft wing, extending from the wing root towards the middle of the wing. Their primary function is to increase lift during low-speed operations, such as takeoff and landing. By extending the flaps, pilots can alter the wing's lift characteristics, which allows for slower flight speeds without stalling. This positioning near the wing root to the middle of the trailing edge is critical for effective aerodynamic performance, assisting in maintaining control and stability during crucial phases of flight.

Other options suggest incorrect locations for the flaps. For instance, extending them from the wingtip would be inefficient and could disrupt the smooth airflow across the wing. Restricting flaps to the leading edge would typically refer to a different device called leading-edge flaps, which serve different functions from trailing-edge flaps. Further, having flaps only at the wingtips fails to provide the necessary aerodynamic benefits across the entire span of the wing during critical flight maneuvers. Thus, their specific placement is essential for the aircraft’s lift and control capabilities.