Drone Pilot Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The four forces acting on a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) are lift, drag, thrust, and weight. Understanding these forces is crucial for drone operation and aerodynamics.

Lift is the force that acts against weight and is created by the motion of the aircraft through the air. It is generated primarily by the drone's rotors or wings, depending on the type of UAS. Drag is the resistance force that opposes the drone's forward motion and is caused by the interaction of the air with the drone's surface. Weight is the force exerted by gravity on the drone, which pulls it down towards the Earth. Thrust is the force that propels the drone forward, generated by the drone's motors and propellers.

These four forces must be balanced for stable flight. If lift exceeds weight, the aircraft will ascend; if thrust exceeds drag, the aircraft will accelerate. Thus, recognizing and managing these forces is essential for successful UAS operation and navigation.