What should a pilot do when reaching the maximum flap extension speed?

When a pilot reaches the maximum flap extension speed, the correct action is to fully extend the flaps. This speed, often designated as Vfe, is the maximum permissible airspeed at which the flaps can be safely deployed without risking structural damage or adverse aerodynamic effects.

Extending the flaps at this speed allows for optimal lift generation and improved control during lower-speed flight phases, such as approach and landing. If the flaps are extended fully when the aircraft is at or below Vfe, it ensures that the aircraft will perform effectively during these critical phases of flight.

Retracting the flaps immediately or reducing speed gradually may not align with best practices in operational procedures, as they can lead to premature loss of lift and control. Maintaining altitude without adjusting the flap configuration can result in missed opportunities for optimizing the aircraft's performance during the approach. Therefore, fully extending the flaps at or below the maximum flap extension speed is the appropriate and safest action to ensure the aircraft remains controllable and stable as it prepares for landing.