During a go-around, why are flaps retracted gradually?

• A. To maximize drag and slow the aircraft.
• B. To maintain safe airspeed and stable climb while avoiding abrupt changes.
• C. To cause nose-down attitude.
• D. To rapidly reduce altitude.

Answer: (B)

During a go-around you want a smooth, controlled transition from approach to climb. Flaps extended for landing boost lift at low speed but also add a lot of drag and change the wing’s lift characteristics. If you retract them too quickly, the sudden change in lift and drag can upset the airplane’s attitude and airspeed, making the climb unstable or harder to control. Retracting flaps gradually allows the airspeed to rise toward a safe climb value while keeping the airplane’s pitch and stability manageable, preserving enough elevator authority to maintain a steady, positive-rate climb. Once you’re clean and at a safe speed, you complete the retraction.