What is the landing airspeed without power with wing flaps down?

The correct answer, which identifies the landing airspeed without power with wing flaps down, is based on the critical importance of maintaining sufficient control and performance during the landing phase. For the Cessna 152, the recommended landing speed with flaps extended is approximately 55 KIAS (Knots Indicated Airspeed).

This speed allows for optimal control margins while descending. When the flaps are extended, the aircraft's stall speed decreases and the increased drag facilitates a steeper approach without increasing the risk of stalling. Flying at the specified airspeed ensures that the aircraft remains in a safe zone of operation, allowing the pilot to effectively manage descent rates and flare appropriately for landing.

Maintaining the correct landing airspeed prevents unnecessary altitude loss, and helps to ensure that control inputs remain effective, reducing the chance of a hard landing or mishaps during the touchdown. This is particularly crucial in no-power scenarios to ensure the maneuverability required for a safe approach to the runway.