What is the force necessary to overcome gravitational force to keep an airplane flying?

To keep an airplane flying, the force necessary to overcome gravitational force is called lift. Lift is produced by the motion of the airplane through the air and is generated primarily by the wings. As air flows over and under the wings, the shape and angle of the wings create a difference in air pressure that results in an upward force. This upward force needs to be equal to or greater than the weight of the airplane to achieve flight.

The correct answer is based on the fundamental principles of flight dynamics, which state that for an aircraft to ascend or maintain altitude, the lift must counteract the gravitational pull, also known as weight. Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots and engineers in designing and operating aircraft effectively.