What is the purpose of using flaps on a glider?

The use of flaps on a glider primarily serves to improve lift characteristics, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. When flaps are extended, they increase the curvature of the wing, which enhances airflow over the wing and allows for greater lift at lower speeds. This is particularly beneficial during takeoff, as it enables the glider to become airborne more easily, and during landing, as it allows for a steeper approach and reduced landing speed, providing better control.

While options like decreasing drag or stabilizing the glider during turbulence may be relevant to certain aircraft operations, they do not capture the primary function of flaps in gliders. Additionally, enhancing fuel efficiency while soaring is more dependent on other aerodynamic factors rather than the direct role of flaps.