Which of the following statements is true regarding opposing forces in steady-state level flight?

In steady-state level flight, the aircraft maintains a constant altitude and speed, which means that all opposing forces are balanced. Lift must equal weight to ensure that the aircraft remains at a constant height; if lift were less than weight, the aircraft would descend, and if lift were more than weight, the aircraft would ascend. Similarly, thrust must equal drag to maintain a constant speed; if thrust were less than drag, the aircraft would slow down, and if thrust were more than drag, the aircraft would accelerate.

Thus, the statement that lift equals weight and thrust equals drag accurately reflects the condition of equilibrium that characterizes steady-state level flight. Understanding this balance is crucial for pilots and those involved in aerodynamics, as it forms the basis of flight principles.