The Four Forces of Flight: Lift, Weight, Thrust & Drag

What makes an airplane fly?

We have been learning about the properties of flight in this science unit.  And to answer the question:  "what makes an airplane fly?" we must consider the four forces of flight.  A force is either a push or a pull on something. 

Remember.... 

• Lift pushes upward, allowing a plane to fly.   
• The weight of the airplane pulls in a downward direction because of gravity.   
• Thrust is the force that moves the plane forward which is produced by a propeller or an exhaust.   
• Drag is the force that slows the airplane down.      

Click the forces below for a more detailed explanation.  The illustrations will provide a visual demonstration of what occurs during each force and the effects it has on the aircraft.

  

Lift

 

  Weight

 

Thrust

 Drag

Use the above arrows to help you remember the 4 forces of flight, whether the force is pushing or pulling and in which direction up, down, forward or back.

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For a more realistic demonstration of the four forces of flight, watch the video below.