What are flaps primarily responsible for during take-off and landing?

Flaps are primarily responsible for providing additional lift or drag during take-off and landing phases of flight. When deployed, flaps increase the camber of the wing, which enhances the aircraft's lift capability at lower speeds. This is crucial during take-off and landing, where the aircraft operates at slower velocities. The increased lift allows the aircraft to become airborne at lower speeds during take-off and to maintain a slower, controlled descent during landing.

Additionally, flaps generate more drag, which aids in slowing down the aircraft during landing. This characteristic is vital as it allows pilots to manage their descent rate and approach speed more effectively, leading to safer and more controlled landings.

The other options focus on aspects of aircraft operation that are not the primary function of flaps. Managing engine thrust is more about the throttle control by the pilot. Controlling the direction of flight involves ailerons, rudders, and elevators, rather than flaps. Increasing fuel efficiency is typically a result of aerodynamic design and optimized flight profiles rather than the use of flaps during take-off and landing, which actually may increase drag and fuel consumption momentarily.