Which device is commonly deployed to act as a speed brake and reduce lift?

Which device is commonly deployed to act as a speed brake and reduce lift?

• A. Flaps
• B. Spoiler
• C. Aileron
• D. Rudder

Answer: (B)

Spoilers are the device designed to act as a speed brake and reduce lift. They deploy upward into the airstream along the wing, interrupting the smooth airflow and causing a rapid decrease in lift. That loss of lift comes with a big increase in drag, which helps slow the aircraft and lets pilots descend more steeply or brake more effectively on landing. Flaps increase lift at low speeds for takeoff and landing, so they aren’t used primarily to dump lift or act as a speed brake. Ailerons control roll by creating differential lift between the wings, not overall lift reduction. Rudder controls yaw, not lift. So the ability to dump lift and add drag for slowing down comes from spoilers.

Spoilers are the device designed to act as a speed brake and reduce lift. They deploy upward into the airstream along the wing, interrupting the smooth airflow and causing a rapid decrease in lift. That loss of lift comes with a big increase in drag, which helps slow the aircraft and lets pilots descend more steeply or brake more effectively on landing. Flaps increase lift at low speeds for takeoff and landing, so they aren’t used primarily to dump lift or act as a speed brake. Ailerons control roll by creating differential lift between the wings, not overall lift reduction. Rudder controls yaw, not lift. So the ability to dump lift and add drag for slowing down comes from spoilers.