AFOQT Practice Test

How is lift generated in an aircraft wing?

1. By the pitch angle of the propeller

2. By the difference between the camber line and the chord line

3. By the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground

4. By the type of landing gear used

The correct answer is: By the difference between the camber line and the chord line

Lift in an aircraft wing is primarily generated due to the shape of the wing and how air flows around it, which is fundamentally related to the concept of camber. The camber line refers to the curved upper surface of the wing compared to the flat bottom surface. This shape causes the air above the wing to travel faster than the air below the wing, creating a difference in air pressure. According to Bernoulli's principle, as the speed of the air increases, the pressure decreases, leading to lower pressure on top of the wing and higher pressure below it. This pressure difference produces lift, allowing the aircraft to ascend and remain airborne. The other options do not directly contribute to lift generation in the same manner. The pitch angle of the propeller primarily affects thrust rather than lift. The speed of the aircraft relative to the ground is related to lift but is not the key factor; instead, it’s the interaction of the wing shape and airflow. Lastly, the type of landing gear has no bearing on lift generation; it is relevant to the aircraft's ground handling and supports the structure on landing or taxiing.