The factors affecting an aircraft's range and endurance include ¹ ²:

- *Aircraft Weight*: An increase in weight requires an increase in lift, which increases induced drag, causing the induced drag curve to move up and to the right, resulting in an overall increase in drag and reducing the range of the aircraft.

- *Aircraft Configuration*: Changes in configuration, such as lowering the landing gear and flaps, cause an increase in parasite drag. This causes the curve for parasite drag to move to the left and up, increasing the drag on the aircraft, which increases the fuel flow requirement, reducing the range of the aircraft.

- *Prevailing Wind*: Headwinds reduce the aircraft's ground speed and increase flight time, reducing its range. Tailwinds, on the other hand, increase the ground speed, allowing shorter flight times.

- *Altitude*: Altitude is the single most significant factor affecting an aircraft's range. Higher altitudes mean the air is colder and less dense, which allows the compressors to rotate at a higher speed, increasing SFC.

- *Fuel Usage*: In studying range and endurance, fuel usage must be considered. The range and endurance depend on the amount of fuel on board. When the last drop of fuel is gone, the plane has reached its limit for range and endurance.

- *Engine Design*: Fuel usage depends on engine design, throttle settings, altitude and a number of other factors.

- *Throttle Settings*: Fuel usage depends on throttle settings.

- *Drag*: For maximum endurance, the jet plane must be flown at minimum drag conditions. Maximum range will occur when the drag divided by velocity is a minimum.