Which force propels the aircraft forward?

Thrust is the force that propels an aircraft forward. It is generated by the aircraft's engines, which can be jet engines or propellers, depending on the type of aircraft. When the engines produce thrust, they push the airplane forward, allowing it to overcome other forces acting against it, such as drag, which slows the aircraft down.

Understanding thrust is crucial for flight operations because it is part of the four fundamental forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Lift acts perpendicular to the direction of flight and enables the aircraft to rise, weight is the force of gravity pulling the aircraft down, and drag opposes the forward motion. The balance and relationship among these forces determine the aircraft's performance and is an essential aspect of flight dynamics.