"C Kingsbury" wrote in message
link.net...
Just a nitpick here- there's a huge difference in design and efficiency
between the simple flaps you see on most small planes and the fowler jobs
found on transport jets. If you put slats and fowlers on a typical GA
plane's wing you'll get a STOL monster like the Helio Courier.

I understand that. However, if a C172's flaps were designed to extend to 80
degrees, rather than the existing 30 or 40 degree limit (depending on model
and STC), you'd find that after landing it would be desireable to extend the
flaps from the landing setting of 40 degrees to the "high drag" setting of
80 degrees (or whatever).