Introduction

In this course, you’ll learn what drag is, why it matters in aviation, and how it comes in two major types: parasite and induced.

You’ll explore how even the smoothest airplane surfaces cause friction, how bulky shapes create form drag, and how swirling air around the wings leads to induced drag. You’ll discover why drag increases with speed, how planes use streamlining and winglets to fight back, and what happens when a plane gets close to the ground (hint: it gets a little boost!).

By the end of the course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the forces of drag and how they affect flight dynamics. This knowledge will be essential as you move forward in your studies of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.