Boeing 737 flaps extension & retraction
Why Aviation Stack Exchange recommends it
Aviation Stack Exchange users link it as a visual reference when asking or answering how 737 flaps move, why they retract, and how their drive mechanism and skew protection work.
Recommended by 0 people across 0 different months, 2015 to 2018.
What it is
A 2m35s clip showing the trailing-edge flaps of a Boeing 737 extending and retracting, filmed so the track and carriage mechanism is visible. It is a short, narration-free demonstration uploaded by AeroNest.
What people said
Cites Ralph J · 2015-07 · Aviation Stack Exchange · on “What is the function of a skew sensor in an aircraft?”
Skew is essentially when the flap doesn't extend or retract straight back. Picture a situation where you have a 1 meter wide board you're pushing down a track that's slightly wider than the board. Your left hand is about a quarter of the way in from the left edge, and your right hand similarly in from the right edge. As long as you push straight down the track, evenly, with both hands, the board slides along and doesn't contact the edge. Now suppose that your right hand pushes harder than your left hand: the board will start to turn, and the edges of the board will contact the edges of the track. The skew sensor detects that this sort of misalignment is starting to happen, and causes the fla
Cites pajonk · 2016-09 · Aviation Stack Exchange · on “Why are the wings of some planes changing width?”
I was travelling recently in a Boeing 737 and I noticed one thing that I didn't understand. After the takeoff the wing flaps started retracting into/under the wing, making it narrower. The opposite happened before the landing. You can see what I mean in this video: The question is: Why are the flaps hiding into/under the wing? I understand that the bigger wing area is better during takeoff and landing. But why is the wings' size reduced during the cruise? Shouldn't bigger wings provide better lift during the entire flight? Some clarification after comments: I'm asking specifically why are the flaps retracted and not just remain parallel to the wing
Cites Pheric · 2018-11 · Aviation Stack Exchange · on “What backup systems are in place for flaps actuated by sliding block guides?”
Looking at this video [this video] of a 737's flap extension, it looks like there is just one screw per side driving all of the flaps. Are there any systems in place that will allow the flaps to extend in the event of the linkage failing? What if hydraulics are lost? Also see point 3 on this question [LINK] for more information about the flap type I am asking about (but generalized answers are welcome).