What is a basic explanation of lift and drag in flight safety terms?

• A. Lift is the force that allows an aircraft to rise; drag is the air resistance that slows it down.
• B. Drag is the thrust produced by the engine.
• C. Lift makes an aircraft heavier.
• D. Drag helps an airplane accelerate.

Answer: (A)

Lift is the force that allows an aircraft to rise, generated mainly by the wings as air flows over and under them. Drag is the air resistance that acts opposite to the direction of travel and slows the airplane. In flight safety terms, lift must exceed weight for takeoff and climb, and thrust must overcome drag to sustain speed. This description matches the basic roles of lift and drag. Drag is not thrust, lift does not make the aircraft heavier, and drag does not help acceleration.