What is the effect of elevation on lift?

As elevation increases, the density of the air decreases. Lift is generated by the pressure difference created by the airflow over and under the wings of an aircraft, and this pressure difference is heavily dependent on air density.

At higher elevations, because the air is thinner (less dense), there are fewer air molecules available to flow over the wings. This results in a decrease in lift generated at a given airspeed. Pilots often must adjust their operations, such as increasing their airspeed or utilizing larger wings or flaps, to compensate for the reduced lift capability.

Therefore, the correct choice highlights that as elevation increases, lift decreases due to the reduction in air density that affects the aircraft's ability to generate sufficient lift for flight.