Which phase of flight does high drag typically affect the most?

High drag significantly impacts the descent and landing phases due to the need for precise control over the aircraft's speed and altitude. During descent, aircraft are often configured with extended flaps or gear down, which increases drag intentionally to slow the aircraft for landing. This added drag requires careful management of airspeed to prevent stalling and to ensure a controlled approach to the runway.

Maintaining appropriate configuration in these phases is critical, as excessive drag can lead to slower approaches and potentially cause difficulties in maintaining the desired glide path. Pilots need to account for this increased drag to ensure safe landing procedures, managing thrust and aerodynamic conditions closely.

In comparison, the other phases of flight, while they certainly involve drag, do not see the same level of effects related to the need for controlled descent and landing. In cruise, for example, the aircraft is optimized for efficiency and higher speeds, while during climb, the focus is more on overcoming drag to gain altitude. The initial takeoff phase is heavily influenced by thrust rather than drag, making the descent and landing phases the most affected by high drag conditions.