Angle of Attack

Angle of Attack (AoA) is the angle between the wing chord line and the direction of the relative airflow (relative wind). It is the primary factor determining the amount of lift generated by the wing.

As AoA increases, lift increases — up to the critical angle of attack (typically 15-20 degrees), beyond which the airflow separates from the upper wing surface and the wing stalls. AoA is independent of aircraft pitch attitude or flight path.

Modern airliners display AoA information and have AoA protection in the flight control system to prevent stall conditions.