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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-climb-lift-weight

In the simple four-forces model, what happens when thrust exceeds drag?

The airplane accelerates.

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  1. The airplane descends
  2. The airplane slows down
  3. The airplane accelerates ✔

Why: A force imbalance causes acceleration. In the simple four-forces model, extra thrust over drag makes the airplane speed up.

Huh, didn't know that: Lift opposes weight, while thrust opposes drag.

The dad joke
Why did the airplane hurry? It had extra thrust to spare.
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References

Answer: The airplane accelerates. A force imbalance causes acceleration. In the simple four-forces model, extra thrust over drag makes the airplane speed up.

  1. Aerospace: The Journey of Flight, Teacher's Guide (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    More thrust than drag makes a plane accelerate, and more lift than weight makes a plane climb.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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