Lift and Drag

Lift and drag are two key forces acting on an aircraft as it moves through the air. Lift is the force that pushes the airplane upward, allowing it to rise and stay in the sky; it results from airflow over the wings, which are shaped to create higher pressure below and lower pressure above. Drag is the resistance or friction between the aircraft and the air, acting opposite to the plane’s motion, which slows it down. Pilots and engineers work to optimize lift while minimizing drag to ensure efficient and controlled flight.