Parasite drag increases when airspeed is:

Prepare for the Private Pilot Test with Sporty's Ground School. Engage with flashcards and various questions that include hints and explanations. Get ahead and pass your exam with confidence!

Parasite drag is the sum of all the forces that oppose an aircraft's motion through the air, excluding lift and induced drag. This type of drag is primarily associated with the aircraft's shape, surface roughness, and any protrusions that disrupt airflow. As airspeed increases, the relative wind speed around the aircraft also increases, causing the aerodynamic forces acting upon the aircraft to intensify.

At higher speeds, the effects of parasite drag become more pronounced due to the increase in dynamic pressure, which is directly proportional to the square of the airspeed. Specifically, parasite drag can be expressed by the equation: Drag = 0.5 * Cl * A * (V^2), where Cl is the drag coefficient, A is the reference area, and V is the airspeed. Thus, as airspeed increases, the drag component rises significantly, leading to the conclusion that parasite drag increases with increased airspeed. Understanding this relationship is important for pilots as it impacts fuel efficiency and overall performance of the aircraft.

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