What term is used to describe the surface that controls lift, direction, and stability on an aircraft?

The term used to describe the surface that controls lift, direction, and stability in an aircraft is "airfoil." An airfoil is a specific shape designed to generate lift when it moves through the air. The design of the airfoil determines how air flows around it, which in turn affects the lift produced.

While wings are a prominent example of airfoils and crucial for generating lift, the term "airfoil" encompasses a broader range of surfaces, including the wings, tail surfaces, and any component designed with a shape that interacts with air to create aerodynamic forces. The function of an airfoil is critical in enabling an aircraft to ascend, maneuver, and maintain stable flight.

In contrast, the fuselage is the main body of the aircraft that houses passengers and cargo, while the tail assembly comprises the horizontal and vertical stabilizers that help manage direction and stability but do not directly control lift in the same way that the airfoil does. Therefore, the airfoil is the most accurate term for describing the surfaces that govern both lift and stability across various parts of the aircraft.