What is the relationship between weight and lift during flight?

The relationship between weight and lift is crucial for understanding flight dynamics. For an aircraft to either ascend or maintain level flight, the lift produced by the wings must equal or exceed the weight of the aircraft. This balance ensures that the aircraft can either climb (when lift exceeds weight) or stay stable in the air (when lift equals weight).

When lift is greater than weight, the aircraft will gain altitude. Conversely, when weight is greater than lift, the aircraft will descend. Therefore, maintaining the correct balance between lift and weight is essential for safe and controlled flight. This relationship showcases the fundamental principles of aerodynamics, emphasizing that lift must not only counteract weight but also provide additional force for any climbing maneuvers.