Let’s stop and think about this for a moment. We understand OP’s frustration with the answer to the question about lift and an aircraft in climbing flight. But let’s think about the proposition for answering the question. We do not know the state of knowledge of the general reader when we develop and post an answer to a question. This can become troublesome, particularly for the person answering the question. Permit me to say, I should know… Here are some thoughts -
The question must be stated clearly regarding the subject of the question. This climbing-flight question clearly meets this objective.
In many cases, a lot of time is spent trying to answer the question by thinking through and evaluating what the asker is trying to find out. The provided answer clearly lays this thinking out.
The answer must be stated in an understandable way by stating the relevant facts in a clearly understood context. Not all readers of the answer are “on the same page” regarding their state of knowledge about the facts of flight. My view is that this was done in a satisfactory way by this answer.
Meeting these objectives is not always easy. Many hours can be spent developing an answer that gets “off in the weeds.” Sometimes conceptual elements are difficult to connect in a meaningful way. Sometimes the simplest answers can become the most difficult to provide. But these are not excuses for providing incorrect or inaccurate answers. Every question should be given the best possible effort to provide the simplest, most accurate and correct answer. Sometimes correct answers require a lot of thought. In some instances, answers may require months of research and analysis; yes, right here on SE. I have provided some of them.
Consequently, when answers are provided to meet the broadly varying aspect of knowledge the audience may have, the answer can be seen by someone with specialized knowledge as inaccurate or incorrect. Or, as can sometimes be the case, the person reading the answer already has a world view that conforms to their conceptual way of thinking, and not to the factual world that exists. In these instances, the answer may be perceived as being incorrect or wrong, even though right. The bridge of knowledge is too far to cross for some; I have had to take down an answer because of this consequence.
Here, let me offer a simplified explanation of how this can happen. In the present case, OP’s original question wanted to know something about lift related to an aircraft that was climbing. Many people do not understand what lift is in terms of aircraft flight. In the general sense, a conceptual view of lift is in opposition to weight, as in lifting a weight. In the aerodynamic sense, lift is a force perpendicular to the path of flight. The dilemma faced by the answerer is how to reconcile this difference without writing an extended text on aerodynamics and forces on an aircraft in flight. Remember, as was stated in context, not all of the readers of this question know what these forces are, and they may think lift is in opposition to weight. They may have a different world view of the subject based on their own experience or expertise, not on the facts as they actually exist.
Understandably, seeing these aspects may not be in the view or aspect of knowledge had by the OP of this current question, the one seeing the provided answer as incorrect. Nevertheless, in my mind, Mr. Frost has made every attempt to frame the context of his answer in correct terms. He has made a clear answer in terms of weight, and how both thrust and lift bear that weight for an aircraft in climbing flight. This was done with clear deference to the broadly varying state of knowledge had by an audience that may be reading Koyovis’ posted question about lift and an aircraft in climbing flight. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do, once we post an answer, to address the world view had by the reader of our answers. Sometimes our answers can be seen as so wrong that they have to be rewritten to address these issues. Did I mention that I had to take down an answer because of this??
In closing, allow me to offer a brief and humble explanation of my root concern regarding the question at hand, that being perceived incorrect answers. My actions on SE have been to only provide answers, not ask questions. I have seen many issues queried, particularly on occasion regarding aircraft accidents. Although I have provided answers or comments about the unintended and fatal consequences of actions taken by pilots, I have specifically avoided answering questions regarding consequences in aircraft accidents. The prospect of some aspect of legal liability regarding an answer is quite chilling. And when I encounter issues questioning the correctness of an answer I have provided, I become concerned. In particular, I become quite concerned. My answers are fully researched and validated. My own fear is that if someone acts on the belief that my answer was correct and then suffers an adverse consequence, I may find myself in court. When people comment on an answer, particularly in a way that is critical or in an attempt to get me to revise the answer, dictate what the answer should be, or bully to suit their needs, how do I address this? If persons suffer adverse consequences by taking actions based on my answers, what am I to do? If I even think, from my own position of expertise, that this potential is looming or has become apparent, I will take down the answer. I am not interested in entanglements with legal issues. I’ll just play it safe and prevent suffering unseen grief. I understand, though, some may feel this is an unfounded fear. But I still have to discern for myself the best course of action to be taken.
