Performance and weight and balanceQuestion 843 of 934

Which action decreases both excess thrust and excess power?

  1. Retracting the flaps
  2. Lowering the landing gear
  3. Reducing the weight
  4. Flying at a lower altitude
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Correct answer: Lowering the landing gear

More weight, more altitude, a lowered gear, or lowered flaps all decrease excess thrust and power.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance — Climb Performance Factors, page 264

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026