What happens to lift when an airplane is in a turn?

What happens to lift when an airplane is in a turn?

• A. Lift decreases
• B. Lift remains unchanged
• C. Lift increases
• D. Lift fluctuates sporadically

Answer: (A)

When an airplane is in a turn, the distribution of lift changes due to the horizontal component of lift being used to create centripetal force to turn the aircraft. As the airplane banks into the turn, the total lift vector is tilted; while the vertical component of lift remains directed upward to counteract weight, the horizontal component must act to change the flight path. In a coordinated turn, the total lift may initially remain the same if the speed and angle of bank are constant. However, if we consider real-world scenarios, pilots often need to increase power or lower the angle of attack during a turn to maintain altitude which can initially lead to a decrease in effective lift. Therefore, it's important to recognize that while the lift may appear initially to remain unchanged, the perceived decrease in vertical lift relative to the weight of the aircraft due to the change in flight path and bank angle leads to this conclusion of effective lift being reduced. The understanding of lift in a turn is essential for pilots to maintain altitude and avoid potential stalls, which can happen if the angle of attack is not managed properly during the maneuver.

When an airplane is in a turn, the distribution of lift changes due to the horizontal component of lift being used to create centripetal force to turn the aircraft. As the airplane banks into the turn, the total lift vector is tilted; while the vertical component of lift remains directed upward to counteract weight, the horizontal component must act to change the flight path.

In a coordinated turn, the total lift may initially remain the same if the speed and angle of bank are constant. However, if we consider real-world scenarios, pilots often need to increase power or lower the angle of attack during a turn to maintain altitude which can initially lead to a decrease in effective lift.

Therefore, it's important to recognize that while the lift may appear initially to remain unchanged, the perceived decrease in vertical lift relative to the weight of the aircraft due to the change in flight path and bank angle leads to this conclusion of effective lift being reduced.

The understanding of lift in a turn is essential for pilots to maintain altitude and avoid potential stalls, which can happen if the angle of attack is not managed properly during the maneuver.