Flaps provide greater lift at a given angle of attack by increasing the camber of the wing. There are four types. Plain Flaps are attached to the trailing edge of the wing by a hinge and move downward when extended. They provide the least amount of additional lift. Slotted Flaps provide greater lift by channeling airflow through a gap between the wing and the leading edge of the flap. The airflow accelerates the upper surface boundary layer and delays airflow separation. Split Flaps are integrated into the bottom portion of the wing along the trailing edge. They “split” from the top portion when extended, increasing the wing’s lift. They also cause considerable drag, making them very effective at slowing the aircraft down or creating a fast descent rate. During a go- around, pilots will need to promptly reduce the flap setting in order to obtain the best climb rate. Fowler Flaps are a type of slotted flap, but instead of rotating down on a hinge, they slide backward on tracks, increasing both the camber and area of the wing. At lower settings they provide a significant increase in lift with very little increase in drag. 

Trim systems consist of movable attachments to the trailing edges of the elevator, rudder, or ailerons. They can be positioned by the pilot from the cockpit so that constant pressure does not have to be applied to the flight controls. Smaller single-engine aircraft usually only provide elevator trim that can be adjusted from the cockpit and rudder trim tabs that must be adjusted on the ground.

Spoilers (typically found on gliders) are panels that can be raised from the upper surface of the wings to destroy lift by interrupting the smooth flow of air. They can be used create a high rate of descent without increasing forward airspeed.