Plain English Meaning

The push that moves an aircraft forward. The engine throws air (or exhaust) backward, and the aircraft moves forward in response.

Full Definition

The forward force produced by an aircraft's powerplant that propels the aircraft through the air. Thrust acts opposite to drag and is generated by accelerating a mass of air rearward, whether by a propeller, a turbojet, a turbofan, or a rocket motor.

Context Anchor

You will see thrust discussed when learning the four basic forces of flight, engine power changes, takeoff performance, climb performance, and .