PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesAERODYNAMICS
Angle of attack
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
The angle between an airfoil reference chord and the relative airflow.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
Editorial section coverage describes the article structure, not scientific validation or completeness.
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Source editions
PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight ↗Edition / snapshot: FAA-H-8083-25C, 2023Retrieved: 2026-09-05
Retrieval dates record when Owl obtained the data; they are not publication dates or proof that a specification is current. Where the edition contains only a snapshot date, the original publication date is not recorded.
01
Mechanism
Aircraft attitude alone does not define angle of attack: the direction of the flight path and local airflow are also involved.
02
Aircraft response
Increasing angle of attack initially raises lift coefficient. Beyond the critical region, substantial separation reduces lift capability and increases drag.
03
Context & interpretation
A wing can reach a stall at different attitudes and airspeeds. Local wing angles can differ due to twist, downwash and maneuvering.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.