This thesis considers common definitions of uninstalled thrust, rigorous thrust derivations, and the significance of thrust definitions and derivations on air vehicle thrust-drag accounting methodology. This physics-based control volume approach to propulsive force accounting highlights differences in the application of control volume methods from different sources and summarizes common installation corrections. Certain combinations of thrust and installation corrections in practice lead to force accounting mistakes which can propagate in legacy aerodynamics and propulsion codes. The work concludes by proposing a simplified propulsive force accounting methodology applicable to many (not all) situations, a potential missing installation correction, and a procedural solution to the confusing and messy practice of aero-propulsive force accounting