AerodynamicsQuestion 455 of 934

What happens when the boundary layer separates from the wing?

  1. Lift and drag both increase sharply
  2. Lift increases sharply and drag decreases
  3. Lift and drag both decrease sharply
  4. Lift decreases sharply and drag increases
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Correct answer: Lift decreases sharply and drag increases

A dramatic decrease in lift with an increase in drag means that the airfoil has stalled.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Skin Friction Drag, page 104

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026