If lift becomes less than weight, what will occur?

When lift becomes less than weight, the fundamental principle of flight dynamics indicates that the aircraft will begin to descend. Lift is the force that counteracts weight, which is the force of gravity acting on the aircraft. For the aircraft to maintain a stable altitude, lift must equal weight.

When lift decreases below the level of weight, there isn't enough upward force to counteract gravity. As a result, gravity will pull the aircraft downward, leading to a descent. This scenario can occur due to various reasons, such as a reduction in airspeed, an increase in weight (like fuel consumption or cargo load), or a change in the aircraft's configuration (like retracting flaps), which can result in lower lift production.

Understanding this relationship between lift and weight is crucial for aircrew to make informed decisions during flight operations, ensuring safety and effective management of aircraft performance.