Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Cowl flaps are adjustable flaps located on the engine cowling of an aircraft, primarily used to manage the cooling of the engine. By opening or closing these flaps, a pilot can control the amount of airflow to the engine, thereby regulating its operating temperature. When the cowl flaps are opened, they allow more cool air to flow over the engine, which helps to dissipate heat. Conversely, closing the flaps restricts airflow, which can help retain heat during colder conditions or ground operations where the engine may not be working as hard.

Understanding the role of cowl flaps is critical for maintaining engine efficiency and preventing overheating, particularly during different phases of flight such as climb, cruise, and descent. This function is essential for the overall performance and reliability of the aircraft engine. The other options do not directly relate to the primary purpose of cowl flaps, which specifically focus on managing engine temperature rather than affecting the rate of climb, fuel flow, or drag.