Which statement is true regarding lift and weight in steady, level flight?

Which statement is true regarding lift and weight in steady, level flight?

• A. Weight equals lift
• B. Lift equals weight
• C. Lift exceeds weight
• D. Drag equals thrust

Answer: (B)

In steady, level flight there is no vertical acceleration, so the vertical forces must cancel. The wings generate lift upward while gravity acts downward, so the lift must match the weight. If lift were greater than weight, the aircraft would climb; if it were less, it would descend. The other option describes a balance of drag and thrust, which is a separate pair of forces and does not address the lift–weight balance. Therefore, lift equals weight.

In steady, level flight there is no vertical acceleration, so the vertical forces must cancel. The wings generate lift upward while gravity acts downward, so the lift must match the weight. If lift were greater than weight, the aircraft would climb; if it were less, it would descend. The other option describes a balance of drag and thrust, which is a separate pair of forces and does not address the lift–weight balance. Therefore, lift equals weight.