Relationship of Thrust and Drag During straight-and-level flight, thrust and drag are equal in magnitude if a constant airspeed is being maintained. When the thrust of the propeller is increased, thrust momentarily exceeds drag and the airspeed will increase, provided straight-and-level flight is maintained. As stated previously, with an increase in airspeed, drag increases rapidly. At some new and higher airspeed, thrust and drag forces again become equalized and speed again becomes constant. If all the available power is used, thrust will reach its maximum, airspeed will increase until drag equals thrust, and once again the airspeed will become constant. This will be the top speed for that airplane in that configuration and attitude. When thrust becomes less than drag, the airplane will decelerate to a slower airspeed, provided straight-and-level flight is maintained, and thrust and drag again become equal. Of course if the airspeed becomes too slow, or more precisely, if the angle of attack is too great, the airplane will stall.Relationship of Lift and Drag A component of lift, the upward force on the wing, always acts perpendicular to the direction of the relative wind. In straight and- level flight (constant altitude) lift counterbalances the airplane weight. When lift and weight are in equilibrium, the airplane neither gains nor loses altitude. If lift becomes less than weight, the airplane will enter a descent; if lift becomes greater than weight, the airplane will enter a climb. Once a steady-state climb or descent is established, the relationship of the four forces will no longer be the sameas in straight-and-level flight. However, for all practical purposes, lift still equals weight for small angles of climb or descent. Factors Affecting Lift and Drag A number of the factors that influence lift and drag include: eWing Area eAirfoilShape Wing Design Airspeed eAir Density Achange in any of these factors affects the relationship between lift and drag. When lift is increased drag is increased or when lift is decreased drag is decreased.