How does an aircraft's weight affect its flight performance?

The choice indicating that increased weight requires more lift to maintain altitude and affects takeoff and landing distances is correct because it aligns with fundamental principles of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.

When an aircraft's weight increases, the lift needed for the aircraft to remain airborne also increases. This is a critical aspect since lift is generated by the wings and is a function of airspeed, wing area, and the coefficient of lift. With more weight, the aircraft must achieve a higher angle of attack or increased airspeed to generate sufficient lift to counteract the added weight.

Additionally, the impact of increased weight on takeoff and landing distances is significant. Heavier aircraft require a longer runway distance to reach the necessary speed for takeoff due to the increased lift requirement. Similarly, during landing, a heavier aircraft will tend to have a higher landing speed, resulting in a longer distance required to come to a complete stop.

Maneuverability is typically diminished with increased weight rather than improved. An aircraft that is heavier tends to respond more slowly to control inputs, affecting its agility. It can also affect fuel efficiency, climb rate, and overall performance, making it essential for pilots and engineers to consider weight during flight planning and aircraft design.