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AerodynamicsQuestion 432 of 934

An airplane climbs to a higher altitude. What must it do to keep the same lift at the same angle of attack?

  1. Fly at a greater true airspeed
  2. Fly at the same true airspeed as before
  3. Fly at a lower true airspeed than before
  4. Fly at a slower true airspeed in thinner air
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Correct answer: Fly at a greater true airspeed

Air density is lower at altitude, so the airplane must fly at a greater true airspeed for any given AOA.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Lift, page 102

Practice aerodynamics

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026