Final answer:
Cowl flaps are devices on aircraft used to regulate engine temperature and airflow. They can be manually or automatically operated depending on the aircraft design. flight management systems, adjusting the flaps based on engine parameters like temperature and thrust setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cowl flaps are devices found on aircraft, specifically on the cowling of the engine. Their purpose is to regulate the flow of air over the engine, helping to control engine temperature and airflow. By adjusting the position of the cowl flaps, pilots can optimize engine cooling during different flight phases, such as takeoff, climb, cruise, and descent.
Operating cowl flaps depends on the specific aircraft design. In some aircraft, cowl flaps are manually operated by the pilot, using levers or switches in the cockpit. In other modern aircraft, cowl flaps are automatically controlled by the aircraft's engine and flight management systems, adjusting the flaps based on engine parameters like temperature and thrust setting.