The 4 Forces of Flight
Lift, Drag, Weight, Thrust
Trust
- Thrust is the force that propels a flying machine in the direction of motion. Engines produce thrust.
Lift
Lift is the force that acts at a right angle to the direction of motion through the air. Lift is created by differences in air pressure.
Drag
- Drag is the force that acts opposite to the direction of motion. Drag is caused by friction and differences in air pressure.
Weight
- Weight is the force of gravity. It acts in a downward direction—toward the center of the Earth.