A re-evaluation of evidence indicates that Newtonian mechanics (Force = ma) based on actual airflow analysis provides a more simple, straightforward and accurate explanation of how lift is generated than currently available. According to this novel Newtonian approach , wings with a positive AOA fly through a thin mass of air (m), which they accelerate (a) downwards, to create a downward force (Force DOWN ). The inertia of the air allows for a reactive equal and opposite upward force to be generated (Force UP), which provides lift. See Fig. 1a. Taken a step further, Newtonian mechanics based on the mass flow rate (Lift = ma = m/dt * dv) better explain s active lift generation using actual airflow analysis. This Newtonian approach differs significantly from existing theories of lift based on fluid mechanics or the old Newtonian change in momentum (flow turning) theories , which use relative airflow analysis. 1. INTRODUCTION A. Wrong theory = Little progress. New technology has made airliners more efficient today with better materials and engines . However, there has been little change in basic aircraft and wing design, or the approach to aeronautics, particularly since 1970. The incorrect use of fluid dynamics and relative airflow analysis (i.e. w ind tunnels ) to explain the physics of how lift and drag are generated, has restricted progress in commercial passenger aviation. The stagnation is evident as airliners flying today are fundamentally the same designs and airspeeds as the B-747 that flew in 1969, over fifty years ago. See Fig. 1b. Fig. 1b. Airliner designs in 1969 and 2010 . [19] B. Flying (blended) wings . The Newtonian approach to lift presented in this paper offers to launch a new phase in technological progress in aviation , permit ting improved wing design , piloting skills, and safety. In particular, flying wings appear to be the next logical step in aeronautical development due to the potential drag and lift efficiency gains . See Fig. 1c. Fig. 1c. Blended wing designs . [1] In other words, t he lack of progress in developing and adopting flying wing designs has resulted from using the wrong method to explain how a wing generates lift. To understand the physics of flying wings, first the Newtonian explanation of lift needs to be mastered. Flying wing designs are examined in more detail in a separate paper . [2][4] Independent Research – Lift is best explained by Newtonian mechanics . 2 C. Significance of the Newtonian approach . This novel Newtonian approach is extremely significant as lift is of fund amental importance t o aviation. This aspect is explained in more detail in ‘Discussions of Results’, Section 11 on page 29. D. Unresolved theory of lift. The theory of lift and the physics of how airplanes stay airborne remains unresolved and debated (see Appendix I). There is no accepted and conclusive experiment on a real aircraft in realistic conditions that proves any theory of how lift is generated to be correct. [5] The Newtonian approach based on the mass flow rate described in this paper can be tested and verified . Consequently , it offers the opportunity to resolve the 100 -year-old debate of how wings generate lift. E. Newton vs. Fluid mechanics. The Newtonian approach best explains how the lift generated by a wing is affected by flight manoeuvers and practical aspects of flight; such as: : airfoil thickness, wing AOA, airspeed, aircraft momentu m, aspect ratio, flight manoeuvers (e.g. inverted flight, …), and practical aspects of flight (e.g. ground effect, ….). In contrast, fluid mechanics (Navier -Stokes equations) cannot provide this detailed level and breadth of explanations of how lift is generated . Also, a summary critique of NS equations is provided in Appendix III . [3] F. Main research paper. The analysis and research presented in this paper is provided in much more detail in the main paper (450+ pages) by the same author “Newton explains Lift, Buoyancy explains Flight.” [2] See Fig. 1d. Fig. 1d. Newton explains lift. Buoyancy explains flight. [2] Contents : 1. Introduction .......................................................... 1 2. The Newtonian Argument Summarised ............. 3 3. Passive and Active Forces .................................. 4 4. Newton Explains Lift ........................................... 6 5. More on Newton .............................................. 11 6. Actual Wing Airflows ......................................... 16 7. Aerodynamic Stalls ............................................ 19 8. Equations for Drag and Lift ............................. 20 9. Flight Manoeuvers ............................................ 22 10. Practical Aspects of Flight ................................ . 24 11. Discussion of Results .......................................... 29 12. Conclusions .......................................................... 31 13. Additional Information ........................................ 31 14.