What type of flaps does the Archer have as control surfaces?

The Archer aircraft is equipped with slotted flaps, which play a crucial role in enhancing lift at lower speeds during takeoff and landing. Slotted flaps are designed with a gap between the flap and the wing, allowing high-pressure air from below the wing to flow over the flap's upper surface. This design feature effectively delays airflow separation, increasing the maximum lift coefficient. As a result, pilots benefit from a larger control over the aircraft's low-speed performance, enabling safer operations during critical phases such as approach and landing.

In contrast, the other types of flaps mentioned have different mechanisms and aerodynamic characteristics. Fowler flaps extend out and back, increasing both wing area and camber, while split flaps consist of a movable lower surface that projects downward from the wing’s underside but do not provide the same airflow benefits as slotted flaps. Plain flaps are simple hinged surfaces that merely rotate downwards without enhancing lift in the same way. Thus, the distinction and advantage of slotted flaps make them particularly advantageous for the Archer's operational requirements.