What happens when lift is greater than weight?

• A. Climb
• B. Maintain Altitude
• C. Descend
• D. Roll

Answer: (A)

Lift greater than weight creates a net upward force on the aircraft, so it climbs. Lift is the upward aerodynamic force produced by the wings, while weight pulls downward due to gravity. When lift exceeds weight, the airplane accelerates upward and gains altitude until the forces come back into balance or the pilot adjusts power or pitch to change the lift. To maintain altitude, lift must equal weight; to descend, lift must be less than weight. Rolling is about rotating around the fuselage and doesn’t describe the vertical motion caused by lift and weight.