What are the four primary forces of flight?

The four primary forces of flight are lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Lift is the upward force generated by the wings as air flows over them, allowing the aircraft to rise off the ground. Weight is the force of gravity acting on the aircraft, pulling it downward. Thrust is produced by the aircraft's engines and propels the aircraft forward, overcoming drag. Drag is the resistance force that opposes thrust, primarily created by the aircraft's shape and its interaction with air.

Understanding these four forces is critical for pilots as they provide the fundamental principles needed for managing the aircraft's flight characteristics. Each force plays a vital role in ensuring that the aircraft can ascend, maintain altitude, and navigate effectively in the airspace.