Question

Which of the following factors helps maintain aircraft weight equilibrium during a power off descent?

a) Increased engine power to counteract gravitational forces
b) Decreased air resistance to facilitate a rapid descent
c) Aerodynamic drag to sustain a constant airspeed
d) Weight redistribution within the aircraft's cargo area

Answer 1

During a power off descent, aerodynamic drag helps maintain aircraft weight equilibrium by controlling the descent speed and supporting a state of equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factor that helps maintain aircraft weight equilibrium during a power off descent is aerodynamic drag to sustain a constant airspeed. When an aircraft is descending without engine power, aerodynamic drag acts against gravity, helping to control the speed of descent and maintain equilibrium. Increased engine power is not used in a power-off descent, decreasing air resistance would not help to maintain equilibrium, and weight redistribution within the aircraft's cargo area is unrelated to the aerodynamics of the descent. Therefore, the correct answer is c) Aerodynamic drag to sustain a constant airspeed.