what is the best answer for this type of question:
An aircraft flying at the speed at which total drag is a minimum would be flying at
a) less than the normal cruising speed
b) the maximum cruising speed
c) the minimum speed for level flight
d) the normal cruising speed
You are asking a lot of questions which suggest that you should re-read your text book before posting. The answers generally are straightforward and will be in the book.
However -
[i]An aircraft flying at the speed at which total drag is a minimum would be flying at[/i]
[i]a) less than the normal cruising speed[/i]. Normal cruise is reasonably high and is well above minimum drag so, this looks OK
[i]b) the maximum cruising speed.[/i] Maximum cruise is high drag. Not a likely answer
[i]c) the minimum speed for level flight[/i]. Minimum speed is high drag. Not a likely answer
[i]d) the normal cruising speed[/i] Normal cruise is relatively high drag. Not a likely answer.
My guess would be to run with (a).
Engineering specialist in aircraft performance and weight control.
