What is the flap setting for a short field landing in the C-172SP?

For a short field landing in the C-172SP, the appropriate flap setting is indeed 30 degrees. This setting allows for an increased lift at lower speeds, which is crucial when landing in constrained areas. By using full flaps, the aircraft is better able to achieve a steeper descent angle, helping to touch down on a specific point within a short landing strip.

When flying with full flaps, the aircraft can also reduce its stall speed, giving the pilot more control during the landing approach. The increased lift from the full flap setting allows the pilot to approach the runway more slowly and provides the necessary lift to maintain control, which is essential when there are obstacles or limited distances available for landing. Furthermore, the ability to "dump" excess speed quickly is vital in short field operations, making the full flap setting the correct choice.