Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A slat that moves out at high angles of attack is typically associated with an automatic slot system. In aircraft design, slats are devices that extend from the leading edge of the wing to enhance the wing's performance. The automatic slot is designed to deploy or move mechanically in response to aerodynamic forces, particularly as the angle of attack increases during flight.

This movement helps to delay airflow separation over the wing at higher angles, thereby improving the stall characteristics and allowing the aircraft to maintain controlled flight at lower speeds or during maneuvering.

In contrast, a fixed slot remains in a stationary position and does not adjust in response to changing aerodynamic conditions. Leading edge slots are generally a broader category that includes both fixed and automatic types but does not specify the operational aspect of movement. Trailing edge slots are devices located at the rear of the wing structure and serve a different purpose related to lift and drag rather than dynamic adjustment at high angles of attack. Therefore, the design of an automatic slot makes it effective in managing airflow and enhancing aircraft performance during critical flight phases.