Skip to main content
Aviation glossary

Kinetic Energy

What is kinetic energy?

FAA handbook figure illustrating kinetic energy

Kinetic energy is the energy an airplane has because of its motion through the air, and it increases with both the mass of the airplane and the square of its airspeed.

Studying for an FAA written test?

Terms like kinetic energy show up on the FAA knowledge test. Study them in context with ACS-aligned practice questions, AI explanations, and the cited FAA handbook reference behind every answer — free to start.

Learn more in the library

Related terms

Browse the full glossary →