← All explained questions · Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds

After takeoff, FLAPS should typically be retracted

Choices

immediately at liftoff.
Liftoff retraction can settle airplane back to runway.
✓ in stages per POH, after positive rate of climb established and at a safe altitude.correct
typically 50 ft AGL or above). sudden full retraction can cause loss of lift and a sink that can put you back on the runway. Flap retraction sequence: positive rate of climb established, safe altitude reached, retract IN STAGES per POH (e.g., 30° → 20° → 10° → 0°). Sudden full retraction = abrupt loss of lift coefficient = sink. After takeoff: gear up first (if retractable, after positive climb), then flaps in stages. POH and procedure trainer follow specific sequence and altitudes.
only after reaching cruise altitude.
Cruise altitude is way too late.
when you feel like it.
Procedure is dictated by POH, not feeling.

Why

typically 50 ft AGL or above). sudden full retraction can cause loss of lift and a sink that can put you back on the runway. Flap retraction sequence: positive rate of climb established, safe altitude reached, retract IN STAGES per POH (e.g., 30° → 20° → 10° → 0°). Sudden full retraction = abrupt loss of lift coefficient = sink. After takeoff: gear up first (if retractable, after positive climb), then flaps in stages. POH and procedure trainer follow specific sequence and altitudes.

FAA source: FAA-H-8083-3C, Ch. 6, Takeoffs - After-Takeoff Flap Retraction; Aircraft AFM/POHbrowse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.