AerodynamicsQuestion 448 of 934

An airplane lifts off and leaves ground effect. What must the pilot do to keep the same lift coefficient?

  1. Decrease the angle of attack
  2. Increase the angle of attack
  3. Retract the landing gear at once
  4. Reduce the weight
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Correct answer: Increase the angle of attack

An aircraft leaving ground effect needs a higher AOA for the same CL. It also gets more induced drag.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Ground Effect, page 109

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026