Balance of Forces in Flight

Lift = L, Drag = D, Weight = W, Thrust = T:

• Take Off L > W -- T > D
• Climb L > W -- T = D
• Cruise L = W -- T = D
• Holding L = W -- T = D
• Approach L < W -- T = D
• Landing L < W -- T < D

Cruise = Straight and Level = Equilibrium Flight

• L = W (Lift = Weight --> No Climb / Descent)
• T = D (Thrust = Drag --> No Acceleration / Deceleration)

Slide 38

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