What is the primary reason for using flaps on an aircraft during approach and landing?

Utilizing flaps during an approach and landing primarily serves to increase lift at lower speeds. Flaps extend from the wings and alter the airfoil shape, which enhances the wing's ability to generate lift, allowing the aircraft to maintain controlled flight at slower speeds that are typical during landing. This increased lift permits the aircraft to fly safely at lower airspeeds without risking stall, thus facilitating a more manageable descent and landing process.

When flaps are deployed, they effectively increase the camber of the wing, which generates a greater lift coefficient. This is crucial, especially during the landing phase, when pilots need to safely manage lower speeds and higher angles of attack. As a result, the aircraft can maintain adequate lift while aiming for a controlled touchdown.

The other options touch on important aerodynamic principles, but they do not accurately capture the primary role of flaps during approach and landing. For example, while flaps can increase drag, that is not their main purpose in this specific phase of flight. Similarly, stabilizing the aircraft and changing the weight are not the primary functions attributed to flap deployment.