Final answer:
The process used in the flat position without special apparatus is shielded metal arc welding, which is easier to control than welding in other positions like vertical or overhead.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that is typically used in the flat position unless special apparatus is employed is shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or stick welding. Welding in the flat position allows for easier control of the weld pool, leading to better bead appearance and less chance of defects. Other positions, such as vertical, overhead, or horizontal, require special techniques or equipment to ensure the quality of the weld. It's worth noting that terms like plantar flexion, which refers to bending at the ankle such that the heel is lifted, or pronation, a movement in which the palm faces backward, and protraction, which describes an anterior movement of a bone in the horizontal plane, are actually related to anatomical movements and are not typically associated with welding processes.