What does the use of 50% flaps particularly assist during landing?

The use of 50% flaps during landing significantly enhances braking effectiveness on contaminated runways, such as those covered with snow or ice. When flaps are deployed, they increase the lift produced by the wings at lower speeds. This additional lift allows the aircraft to fly at a slower speed while maintaining controlled flight, which can be crucial when landing on surfaces that could reduce braking efficiency.

By increasing the lift and drag when flaps are extended, the aircraft can maintain better control and reduce its landing distance. This is particularly important on contaminated runways where the chances of hydroplaning or reduced friction are elevated. The increased drag helps in slowing down the aircraft more effectively after touchdown, aiding in overall safety and performance.

In contrast, concepts such as achieving maximum speed, standard approach speeds, and preventing mechanical issues do not directly relate to the primary benefit of using flaps during landing under these circumstances. The deployment of flaps is specifically aimed at improving handling characteristics and the aircraft's ability to decelerate on less-than-ideal runway conditions.