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Which force opposes an airplane's weight in flight?

Lift opposes weight.

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  1. Lift ✔
  2. Drag
  3. Thrust

Why: Gravity pulls the airplane toward Earth, producing weight. Lift acts in the opposite direction and supports the airplane in flight.

Huh, didn't know that: In straight, level, unaccelerated flight, lift equals weight.

The dad joke
Lift told gravity, You are really bringing me down.
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References

Answer: Lift. Gravity pulls the airplane toward Earth, producing weight. Lift acts in the opposite direction and supports the airplane in flight.

  1. Aerospace Dimensions Module 1: Introduction to Flight akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_1__Intro_to_Flight_CE64D2DBD1245_e4d7f.pdf
    Lift opposes gravity and drag opposes thrust.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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