Lift is directed perpendicular to what direction?

Lift is directed perpendicular to what direction?

• A. Lift acts perpendicular to the relative wind.
• B. Lift acts parallel to the relative wind.
• C. Lift acts in the same direction as thrust.
• D. Lift acts opposite to weight.

Answer: (C)

Lift is directed perpendicular to the relative wind—the airflow direction seen by the wing as the airplane moves through the air. The relative wind comes from the direction opposite to the aircraft’s motion, so the lift vector points normal to that flow, providing the upward force that supports the airplane. It’s not along the relative wind, not aligned with thrust, and while lift opposes weight in steady, level flight, its defining direction is perpendicular to the relative wind.

Lift is directed perpendicular to the relative wind—the airflow direction seen by the wing as the airplane moves through the air. The relative wind comes from the direction opposite to the aircraft’s motion, so the lift vector points normal to that flow, providing the upward force that supports the airplane. It’s not along the relative wind, not aligned with thrust, and while lift opposes weight in steady, level flight, its defining direction is perpendicular to the relative wind.