Centripetal force is defined as which of the following?

• A. A center-seeking force directed inward toward the center of rotation created by the horizontal component of lift in turning flight.
• B. An outward force during a turn.
• C. A force that opposes gravity.
• D. A force due to engine thrust.

Answer: (A)

In a banked (turning) flight, the lift vector tilts with the wings. The vertical component of lift still supports weight, but the tilt creates a horizontal component directed toward the center of the turn. This horizontal component provides the inward, centripetal acceleration needed to pull the airplane along a curved path. So centripetal force is the inward pull produced by lift in the turn, not some outward force, not a force opposing gravity, and not caused mainly by thrust.