PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesAERODYNAMICS
Lift & circulation
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
The aerodynamic force perpendicular to the relative airflow.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
Editorial section coverage describes the article structure, not scientific validation or completeness.
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Source editions
PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight ↗Edition / snapshot: FAA-H-8083-25C, 2023Retrieved: 2026-09-05
Retrieval dates record when Owl obtained the data; they are not publication dates or proof that a specification is current. Where the edition contains only a snapshot date, the original publication date is not recorded.
01
Mechanism
An airfoil produces a pressure distribution and deflects surrounding air. Pressure forces and momentum change are complementary descriptions of the same flow.
02
Aircraft response
Lift varies with density, speed, wing area and lift coefficient. Angle of attack and configuration change the coefficient, up to and beyond stall.
03
Context & interpretation
Lift is not always vertical and does not always equal weight. The equal-transit-time explanation of airflow above and below a wing is incorrect.
Physical relationship
L = ½ ρ V² S CLL: lift in N; S: reference area in m²; CL: dimensionless lift coefficient.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.