Through which point does lift act in an aircraft?

Lift in an aircraft primarily acts through the center of pressure. The center of pressure is the specific point on an airfoil where the total aerodynamic lift force is considered to act, and it can vary depending on the angle of attack of the wing and other aerodynamic conditions. As the angle of attack changes, so does the position of the center of pressure, which affects how the lift is distributed across the wing. Understanding this concept is essential for aircraft design and performance, as it helps in calculating the forces acting on the aircraft during flight and enables pilots and engineers to manage the stability and control effectively.

The center of weight refers to the distribution of mass within the aircraft and impacts how weight is managed but does not directly influence where lift acts. The center of thrust relates to the point from which thrust is generated by the aircraft's engines and, like weight, influences overall aircraft dynamics but is separate from the lift force. The wingtip is simply the outermost part of the wing and does not represent a singular point where lift is recognized or calculated. Thus, the center of pressure is the most accurate and relevant choice when discussing where lift predominately acts.