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Which force of flight acts opposite to the direction of motion?

Drag, the force that slows motion through the air.

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  1. Thrust
  2. Drag ✔
  3. Lift

Why: Thrust pushes an airplane forward, but drag pulls back against it. Pilots use engine power to balance drag in steady flight.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA describes drag as a rearward, retarding force caused by disruption of airflow.

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References

Answer: Drag. Thrust pushes an airplane forward, but drag pulls back against it. Pilots use engine power to balance drag in steady flight.

  1. CAP ACE Program: Forces of Flight www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Forces_of_Flight_ACE_grade_5_Lesson_c583bfd3cc38a.pdf
    Drag is the force that acts opposite to the direction of motion.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 5 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    a rearward, retarding force caused by disruption of airflow
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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