Which forces determine an aeroplane's angle of climb assuming that sufficient lift is present?

To determine an aeroplane's angle of climb, it is essential to consider the forces acting on the aircraft: weight, thrust, and drag.

When sufficient lift is present, the aircraft can maintain altitude and the focus shifts to the forces that influence its climb. Weight acts downwards due to gravity, while thrust propels the aircraft forward. Drag opposes the forward motion and is a result of the aircraft's interaction with the air.

The angle of climb is affected by the balance between thrust and drag. If the thrust exceeds drag, the aircraft can climb. However, weight must also be taken into consideration because it influences how much excess thrust is available for climbing. The net vertical performance of the aeroplane is derived from the relationship between all three forces: if thrust overcomes drag sufficiently to create a net force, the aircraft will climb at a specific angle determined by the magnitude of these forces.

In summary, considering the interactions of weight, drag, and thrust is crucial to understanding the conditions required for an aeroplane to achieve a certain angle of climb. This comprehensive view accurately reflects the dynamics involved in climbing flight.