Lift

Definitions

• A component of the total aerodynamic force on an airfoil and acts perpendicular to the relative wind.
• One of the four main forces acting on a helicopter. It acts perpendicular to the relative wind.
• One of the four main forces acting on an aircraft. On a WSC, an upward force created by the effect of airflow as it passes over and under the wing.
• One of the four main forces acting on a rotorcraft. It acts perpendicular to the relative wind.
• One of the four main forces acting on an aircraft. On a powered parachute, an upward force created by the effect of airflow as it passes over and under the wing.
• The force perpendicular to drag that helps reduce vertical descent.

References

• Helicopter Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2019
• Instrument Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2014
• Parachute Rigger Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2015
• Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Federal Aviation Administration, 2023
• Powered Parachute Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2007
• Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2000
• Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008