What is lift?

Lift is fundamentally defined as the force that directly opposes the weight of an aircraft, enabling it to rise off the ground and stay airborne. It is generated primarily by the wings due to differences in air pressure above and below the wing surfaces, which occurs thanks to the airfoil shape and the angle of attack. When the aircraft moves forward, the wings cut through the air, and according to Bernoulli's principle, faster airflow over the top surface of the wing creates lower pressure compared to the higher pressure below the wing, resulting in an upward force known as lift.

This concept is crucial to understanding how aircraft operate and sustain flight because, for an aircraft to ascend, the lift must exceed its weight. Understanding this key principle allows pilots and engineers to design and operate aircraft effectively, ensuring safe and efficient travel through the skies.