AFOQT Practice Test

What is the primary goal when making a climb in an aircraft?

1. To increase weight

2. To maintain altitude

3. To increase lift to overcome weight

4. To decrease airspeed

The correct answer is: To increase lift to overcome weight

The primary goal when making a climb in an aircraft is to increase lift to overcome weight. When an aircraft is climbing, the lift must exceed the gravitational pull on the aircraft, which is determined by its weight. To achieve a climb, pilots must adjust the angle of attack and power settings to generate the additional lift necessary to ascend. This increase in lift is crucial for successfully gaining altitude and ensuring that the aircraft remains airborne. In the context of the other options, increasing weight would not help in climbing, as it would make the aircraft more difficult to lift off the ground. Maintaining altitude doesn't align with the purpose of a climb, which is to gain height. Reducing airspeed is generally counterproductive during a climb, as lift is dependent on the square of the airspeed; thus, slowing down could hinder the climb performance.