In flight, which force acts upward to counter gravity?

In flight, which force acts upward to counter gravity?

• A. Lift
• B. Thrust
• C. Drag
• D. Weight

Answer: (A)

Lift is the upward force produced by the wings as the aircraft moves through air. The wing’s shape and angle of attack create a pressure difference: higher pressure below the wing and lower pressure above it, which generates a net upward force that counteracts gravity. In steady, level flight, lift balances weight so the plane stays at the same altitude. Thrust pushes forward, not upward; drag is the air resistance that slows the aircraft; weight is the downward pull of gravity. Thus, lift is the force that actively counters gravity in flight.

Lift is the upward force produced by the wings as the aircraft moves through air. The wing’s shape and angle of attack create a pressure difference: higher pressure below the wing and lower pressure above it, which generates a net upward force that counteracts gravity. In steady, level flight, lift balances weight so the plane stays at the same altitude. Thrust pushes forward, not upward; drag is the air resistance that slows the aircraft; weight is the downward pull of gravity. Thus, lift is the force that actively counters gravity in flight.