Angle of Attack (AoA)

Angle of Attack (AoA)

What does Angle of Attack mean?

The Importance of Angle of Attack in Flight Dynamics

The Angle of Attack (AoA) is the angle between the wing and the oncoming air, a key factor in lift generation and stall prevention.

The angle of attack (AoA) in aviation is the angle between the chord line of an aircraft's wing and the direction of the oncoming air (relative wind).

• Importance in Flight Dynamics: AoA is a critical parameter in aerodynamics that determines the lift generated by the wing. It directly affects the aircraft's ability to maintain flight and its efficiency.
• Management and Limits: Pilots manage the AoA to optimize performance and avoid conditions like stalls, where the wing loses lift due to an AoA that is too high.
• Instrumentation and Measurement: Some aircraft are equipped with AoA indicators, helping pilots maintain optimal performance, especially during takeoff and landing phases.

The angle of attack is a fundamental concept in aerodynamics and flight mechanics, crucial for understanding and managing the lift and performance of an aircraft.