zen archer (monk variant) clarification

[Morganwolf]

AdvPlyGuidePg115 wrote:

Flurry of Blows (Ex): Starting at 1st level, a zen archer

can make a f lurry of blows as a full-attack action, but only
when using a bow (even though it is a ranged weapon).
He may not make a f lurry of blows with his unarmed
attacks or any other weapons. A zen archer does not apply
his Strength bonus on damage rolls made with f lurry of
blows unless he is using a composite bow with a Strength
rating. A zen archer’s f lurry of blows otherwise functions
as normal for a monk of his level.
A zen archer cannot use Rapid Shot or Manyshot when
making a f lurry of blows with his bow.

According to this if I'm not mistaken it means that this class is firing as a ranged attack a flurry of blows? not using the bow as a melee weapon or does it mean it can be done as both melee and ranged?

[CRobledo]

This is more of a rules question, but the answer is when making a ranged attack with a bow. (Shooting arrows)

[Morganwolf]

CRobledo wrote:

This is more of a rules question, but the answer is when making a ranged attack with a bow. (Shooting arrows)

Wouldn't that make the feat "Rapid Shot" not neccessary unless it is needed for another feat prerequiste?

[Bbauzh ap Aghauzh]

You can't use rapid shot when using flurry of blows with your bow anyways.

(Flurry of Blows is essentially rapid shot at lower levels - -2 to hit on all attacks and one extra attack).

So yes, rapid shot is useless when using the Zen Archer flurry of blows ability.