When is a high drag situation typically encountered during flight?

A high drag situation is typically encountered during the descent and landing phases of flight due to several factors that contribute to increased drag. During descent, the aircraft is configured for landing, which often includes extending the landing gear and deploying flaps. Both of these adjustments significantly increase drag, as the additional surface area and changes in airflow around the aircraft create more resistance.

In these phases, pilots aim to control the descent rate and maintain the correct approach path, which can also lead to higher drag coefficients. The increased drag during descent ensures a controlled, gradual approach to the runway, allowing for precise altitude adjustments and speed management as the aircraft prepares for landing.

While drag can increase in other phases of flight—such as during takeoff or cruising—these situations do not typically create the same level of high drag scenarios associated with landing configurations. Therefore, the descent and landing phases are uniquely characterized by a combination of aerodynamic configurations and operational requirements that result in a pronounced increase in drag.