Aerodynamic Principles
Out-of-Control Flight
AERODYNAMIC PRINCIPLES
AERODYNAMIC DEFINITIONS
Before discussing the aerodynamics of out-of-control flight, we will review some of the pertinent definitions.
Review your Aerodynamics Lesson Guide for more in-depth discussions.
ANGLE OF ATTACK (AOA or )
The instantaneous angle between a reference line on the aircraft (usually the wing chord line) and the
relative wind direction (Figure 1).
Aircraft Reference Line
AOA
Relative Wind
Aircraft Reference Line
AOA
Relative Wind
Figure 1: AIRCRAFT ANGLE OF ATTACK
(9-98) Original
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