Ground effect best described as?

• A. Ground effect reduces induced drag and increases lift when close to the ground
• B. Ground effect increases induced drag
• C. Ground effect decreases lift
• D. Ground effect has no impact on lift

Answer: (A)

Ground effect happens when the wing is very close to the surface. The presence of the ground alters the airflow around the wing, especially by changing how the wingtip vortices form and how the air is downwash behind the wing. This interference reduces the downwash angle and the strength of the vortices, so the wing can produce more lift for a given angle of attack and with less induced drag. In practical terms, near the ground you’ll notice a higher lift-to-drag efficiency, which helps with takeoffs and landings. As you climb higher, ground effect fades and lift and drag return toward their normal, free-air values. The other statements don’t fit because ground effect does not increase induced drag, does not decrease lift, and it does have a noticeable impact on lift near the surface.