What effect does a high angle of attack have on lift?

A high angle of attack initially increases lift due to a greater airflow deflection over the wings, which enhances lift generation. As the angle of attack increases, the wings create more lift up to a certain point known as the critical angle of attack. Beyond this critical point, however, the airflow can become turbulent, leading to a stall where lift dramatically decreases. Therefore, the correct understanding is that up to a critical angle, an increase in angle of attack does indeed produce an increase in lift, which is why the first choice is accurate.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between angle of attack and lift. While a high angle of attack does not consistently decrease lift, it can lead to decreased lift past the critical angle. Saying it has no effect on lift ignores the fact that lift increases with angle of attack up to the critical point. Finally, high angles of attack do not eliminate drag; in fact, they can significantly increase drag, particularly once stall conditions begin to occur.