A flap actuating system for use in an aircraft comprises a carriage for supporting and guiding a flap which is engageable with and translationally movable along at least one linear bearing rail. A linear actuator of the flap actuating system has a linearly actuatable coupling element coupled to the carriage and a drive element configured to linearly actuate the coupling element in a direction substantially parallel to a movement direction of the carriage along the linear bearing rail. The drive element is arranged substantially parallel to the movement direction of the carriage along the linear bearing rail.