Objective:

To better understand the four forces of flight and improve the student's skill of controlling them.

Elements:

1. Thrust
   • Forward force
   • Powerplant and Propeller
2. Drag
   • Rearward force
   • Opposes Thrust
   • Parasitic vs. Induced
3. Weight
   • Downward force
   • Center of Gravity (CG)
4. Lift
   • Upward force
   • Opposes Weight
   • Dynamic effect of air acting on the wing

References:

• Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, pp 3-1 – 3-6

Notes:

In steady, unaccelerated flight, the SUM of all forces is equal.

	FALSE:	The forces are equal.
	TRUE:	Once force is not being overcome by the opposing force.

Drag curve

Coefficient of lift

Printer Fiendly