What is the relationship between thrust and drag during a climb?

During a climb, thrust must be greater than drag to enable the aircraft to ascend. Climbing requires the aircraft to overcome gravitational forces and achieve a vertical gain in altitude. To do this, the engines need to produce enough thrust not only to counteract the drag acting against the aircraft but also to provide the additional force needed to lift the aircraft upward.

When thrust exceeds drag during a climb, it generates a net force that results in a climb rate. This relationship is critical for understanding performance during various flight phases, particularly when considering factors like weight, altitude, and airspeed. In contrast, if thrust were equal to or less than drag, the aircraft would either maintain altitude or descend rather than climb. Therefore, a strong understanding of this relationship is key to successful flight operations and maneuverability.