Which type of drag does not aid flight but instead hinders it?

Parasitic drag is the type of drag that hinders flight rather than aids it. This form of drag is caused by the shape and surface characteristics of the aircraft, as well as its speed through the air. Parasitic drag consists of two main components: form drag, which is caused by the shape of the aircraft, and skin friction drag, which occurs due to the smoothness or roughness of the aircraft's surface.

As the aircraft moves through the air, it pushes air out of its way, and this generates resistance. Unlike induced drag, which is related to lift production and can be a byproduct of the aircraft's lift-induced angles, parasitic drag continuously acts against the aircraft's motion and negatively affects its overall performance by requiring more thrust to maintain speed.

Induced drag, on the other hand, is associated with the generation of lift and can be considered a necessary component of controlled flight. Profile drag is often included in the broader category of parasitic drag because it is related to the shape of the aircraft and its impact on airflow. Thrust drag is not recognized as a standard type of drag in aviation terminology. Therefore, parasitic drag is the correct answer as it directly reflects the drag that hinders flight.