This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By clicking Approve, you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy notice.
The cowl (from the Latin cuculla, meaning a hood) is an item of clothing consisting of a long, hooded garment with wide sleeves. Originally it may have referred simply to the hooded portion of a cloak.he cowl (from the Latin cuculla, meaning a hood) is an item of clothing consisting of a long, hooded garment with wide sleeves. Originally it may have referred simply to the hooded portion of a cloak.
Cowl flaps will be located underneath the engine Nacelle (the housing for the engine). The cowl flap looks like a box scoop that hinges from the front bottom of the nacelle and opens towards the back of the nacelle. The reason for a cowl flap is for engine cooling and to some degree increasing drag. Engine cooling is most important for takeoff, because the engine is working the hardest during this time. On takeoff usually the cowl flap is open, during cruise it is closed or open depending upon the temperature of the cylinders.