Basic Airplane Aerodynamics

A basic overview of the forces associated with straight and level flight, climbs, descents, and turns.


4 FORCES OF FLIGHT

Lift, Weight, Thrust and Drag

  • LIFT: The upward force created by the effect of airflow as it passes over and under the wing
  • WEIGHT: Opposes lift and is caused by the downward pull of gravity
  • THRUST: The forward force which propels the aircraft through the air
  • DRAG: Opposes thrust and is the backward, or retarding, force which limits the speed of the aircraft

FORCES IN CLIMBS AND DESCENTS

AERODYNAMICS OF A TURN

COORDINATED AND UNCOORDINATED TURNS