SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-induced-drag

Which kind of drag is always there whenever a wing is making lift?

Induced drag, the drag that comes from making lift.

Start playing free

  1. Skin friction drag
  2. Induced drag ✔
  3. Form drag

Why: A wing lifts by pushing air downward, and that work creates drag. In steady level flight, induced drag generally increases as airspeed decreases.

Huh, didn't know that: NASA also calls induced drag 'drag due to lift'.

The dad joke
Why couldn't the wing escape induced drag? It was a lift-long commitment.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Induced drag. A wing lifts by pushing air downward, and that work creates drag. In steady level flight, induced drag generally increases as airspeed decreases.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf
    Induced drag is inherent whenever an airfoil is producing lift
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Induced Drag Coefficient, NASA Glenn Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/induced-drag-coefficient
    It is also called “drag due to lift”
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesIn straight, level, unaccelerated flight, lift is equal to which force?Flying & DronesWhat is a wing's angle of attack?Flying & DronesWhat always causes a wing to stall?

That's stuff everyone should know.