Definition
A force generated by the interaction between a solid body and the air moving around it. On an aircraft, the total aerodynamic force produced by the wings and other surfaces is typically resolved into two components: lift, which acts perpendicular to the relative wind, and drag, which acts parallel to and opposes the relative wind.
Plain English
The push or pull that air creates on an aircraft as it moves through the air. This single overall force is usually split into two parts for analysis: the part that holds the aircraft up (lift) and the part that holds it back (drag).
Context Anchor
Seen in lift discussions when explaining how airflow around a wing creates forces on the aircraft.
Derivation
From the Greek 'aero' (air) and 'dynamis' (power or force). So 'aerodynamic force' is literally 'a force produced by air in motion' — which is exactly what a wing experiences as it moves through the atmosphere.
Why Pilots Care
These forces determine whether the aircraft climbs, descends, accelerates, or maintains altitude.
Analogy
If you hold your hand out of a moving car window, the air pushes on it. Tilt your hand and the push changes direction and strength; that is a simple everyday picture of aerodynamic force.
Grounding Statement
When you stick your hand out of a moving car window and tilt it, the push you feel on your palm is an aerodynamic force — and the way it changes as you tilt your hand is exactly how a wing behaves.
Intuition Check
Aerodynamic force is not a separate extra force added to lift and drag. It is the total air-created force, and lift and drag are two useful parts of that total force.
Example Sentence 1
As the wing's angle of attack increases, the aerodynamic force grows larger and tilts further rearward, increasing both lift and drag.
Example Sentence 2
During a turn the pilot adjusts bank to keep aerodynamic forces in balance with the desired flight path.