What constitutes parasite drag?

Parasite drag refers to the resistance experienced by an aircraft as it moves through the air, which is not related to the generation of lift. This type of drag occurs due to various factors such as skin friction, form drag, and interference drag but is fundamentally distinguished from lift-induced drag.

When considering the mechanics of how aircraft operate, parasite drag is present regardless of whether the aircraft is generating lift. This makes it distinct; it arises from the aircraft's shape, surface texture, and how it interacts with the airflow, rather than from the aerodynamic forces involved in creating lift. Thus, the correct understanding of parasite drag is that it encompasses all drag that occurs independently of lift production, confirming the accuracy of the statement regarding drag not created in the production of lift.