Which two categories encompass the types of drag experienced by an aircraft?

The correct choice identifies the two primary categories of drag that affect an aircraft's performance: induced drag and parasitic drag.

Induced drag is a byproduct of lift generation and is directly related to the production of lift. As an aircraft generates lift, the air pressure difference above and below the wings causes air to flow around the wing, creating vortices at the wingtips. This swirling motion of the air contributes to induced drag, which increases with a higher angle of attack and decreases when the aircraft is flying faster and generating lift more efficiently.

Parasitic drag, on the other hand, encompasses all other forms of drag that are not related to lift. It includes both form drag, which is created by the shape of the aircraft and its components as they move through the air, and skin friction drag, which occurs due to the friction between the air and the aircraft's surface. Parasitic drag increases with the square of the aircraft’s speed, making it particularly significant at higher velocities.

Understanding these two categories is crucial for pilots, as they impact performance and fuel efficiency during flight. Recognizing how these types of drag interact with various flight conditions helps pilots make informed decisions regarding aircraft operations.