Aerial Engineer Practice Test 2025 - Free Aerial Engineering Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary effect of drag on an aircraft is that it slows the aircraft down. Drag is a force that opposes the aircraft's motion through the air, and it is a critical concept in aerodynamics. As the aircraft moves forward, it encounters resistance from the air, which results in drag. This force is influenced by various factors, including the shape of the aircraft, its speed, and the density of the air.

Understanding drag is essential for pilots and engineers, as managing it is a critical part of designing efficient flight operations. While drag must be overcome by thrust to maintain or increase speed, it also plays a significant role in transitioning to descent and landing approaches.

In contrast, while drag is an unavoidable part of flight, it does not enhance lift, improve fuel efficiency, or stabilize the aircraft. In fact, while some design elements may attempt to streamline the aircraft to reduce drag effects, excessive drag is generally counterproductive to performance.