Question

In what proportion should the propulsive thrust be so that the aircraft will decelerate?

(a) Thrust is less than airframe drag

(b) Thrust is more than airframe drag

(c) Greater airspeed

(d) Less airspeed

I had been asked this question in my homework.

The query is from Descent Performance in Aircraft Operations in portion Climb and Descent Performance of Aircraft Performance

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Thrust is less than airframe drag

The best explanation: The aircraft will descend if the propulsive thrust is less than the airframe drag. The descend flight path can be varied from a shallow descent to a very steep descent either by reducing the engine thrust or by increasing airframe drag.