Which of the following factors does NOT influence the lift generated by an aircraft's wings?

The correct answer is based on understanding the fundamental principles of aerodynamics pertaining to lift. Lift is primarily generated by the wings of an aircraft due to their shape, angle, and the speed of air over them.

Wing area is crucial because a larger wing can displace more air, thus generating more lift. Air speed plays a significant role as well, since a faster-moving aircraft has more air passing over its wings, resulting in increased lift. The angle of attack is another critical factor; as the angle between the wing and the oncoming air increases, the lift generated typically increases until a certain point known as the critical angle of attack is reached.

In contrast, engine thrust does not directly influence lift. While engine thrust is essential for moving the aircraft forward and can indirectly affect the airspeed, it does not affect the aerodynamic properties of the wing or the fundamental lift equation. Therefore, it stands out as the factor that does not influence the actual generation of lift.