FFF, if you study Newton too much I think you will find that you are always accelerating. Weight is a factor of mass and gravity with gravity being measured as a rate of change of velocity (acceleration). Therefore, to stay at the same altitude, you must have a constant acceleration towords the Earth's centre. Consequently, if you are in a steady climb or descent, your acceleration towards the Earth's centre will be difficult. Confused? . .. .My vote is with the simple explanation whereupon, unless in S&L flight, the forces of thrust & drag will always contribute towards 'lift' and 'weight'.. . . . <small>[ 26 March 2002, 20:14: Message edited by: Whipping Boy's SATCO ]</small>