Lift is the upward force produced by an aircraft’s wings, allowing it to rise and stay in the air.

How lift is produced

1. Airflow over the wing

As the aircraft moves forward, air flows around the wing. The wing’s shape and angle—called the angle of attack—change the airflow.

1. Pressure difference

Air usually moves faster over the curved upper surface of the wing, creating lower pressure above it. The pressure below the wing is comparatively higher, so the wing is pushed upward.

1. Downward deflection of air

The wing also turns some air downward. According to Newton’s third law, the downward movement of air creates an equal and opposite upward force on the wing.

1. Factors affecting lift

Lift depends mainly on:

• Airspeed
• Wing area
• Air density
• Wing shape
• Angle of attack

The basic relationship is:

Lift = ½ × air density × velocity² × wing area × lift coefficient

If the angle of attack becomes too high, the airflow can separate from the wing and lift suddenly decreases. This condition is called a stall.

In short, lift is produced by the wing creating a pressure difference and deflecting air downward as the aircraft moves through the atmosphere. Aero Pilots Academy explains this concept through both theory and real flying context in subjects such as Navigation and Technical General.

For further assistance, feel free to contact Aero Pilots Academy directly.