What are the two types of drag in aviation?

The two types of drag in aviation are correctly identified as parasitic drag and induced drag.

Parasitic drag consists of all the drag forces that are not connected to the production of lift. This includes components like form drag, which arises from the shape of the aircraft, and skin friction drag, which is generated by the friction of air moving over the aircraft’s surface. As the velocity of the aircraft increases, parasitic drag increases significantly since it is primarily a function of airspeed.

Induced drag, on the other hand, is directly related to the generation of lift. As a wing creates lift, it produces a swirling pattern of air behind it, which results in drag. This type of drag increases with an increase in angle of attack and is more prominent at lower speeds or higher lift conditions.

Understanding these two types of drag is crucial for pilots and engineers, as they influence aircraft performance such as speed, fuel efficiency, and overall design considerations. Recognizing the differences between these drag types and their behaviors under various conditions helps in optimizing flight operations and aircraft design.