What does an aircraft's wing need to maintain in order to generate lift?

An aircraft's wing needs to maintain a high angle of attack to generate lift effectively. When the wing is positioned at a high angle relative to the oncoming airflow, it causes a differential in air pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. The air moves faster over the top surface due to its increased distance compared to the lower surface, leading to lower pressure above the wing and higher pressure below, thus creating lift.

This principle is crucial, particularly in various phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, where lift generation is critical. While a constant speed can influence lift (given that airspeed directly affects lift), it is not an absolute requirement for lift generation. Similarly, factors like temperature and weight do not primarily dictate the wing's ability to generate lift in the same direct manner as the angle of attack does. In fact, lower temperatures can increase air density, which may enhance lift but does not directly correlate with the wing's immediate lift-generating capacity related to angle of attack. Therefore, maintaining a high angle of attack is key to ensuring that the wing can generate the necessary lift for flight.