SIFT Army Aviation Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Parasitic drag primarily consists of surface friction and form drag. This type of drag occurs due to the interaction between the aircraft's surface and the air it travels through. Surface friction is related to the roughness of the aircraft's surfaces and the viscosity of the air, which affects how air flows over those surfaces. Form drag, on the other hand, is caused by the shape of the aircraft and how that shape disrupts airflow, leading to resistance against the forward motion of the aircraft.

In contrast, induced pressure changes pertain to lift-related drag, thermal influences involve temperature effects on performance typically in relation to environmental conditions, and weight and balance factors do not directly impact drag type but rather the overall stability and control of the aircraft. Understanding the components of parasitic drag helps in designing more aerodynamically efficient aircraft and improving flight performance.