AI.II.P.R1FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management
Exceeding the critical angle of attack.
Exceeding the critical angle of attack.
Bottom line
The critical angle of attack is the angle of attack at which a wing stalls regardless of airspeed, flight attitude, or weight. The direct cause of every stall is an excessive angle of attack; the stall does not occur until the AOA becomes excessive. Low speed is not necessary to produce a stall; the wing can be brought to an excessive AOA at any speed.
FAA references
- AFH ch. 5 (p. 5-9) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AFH Glossary (p. G-5) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AFH ch. 1 (pp. 1-13–1-14) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- PHAK Glossary (p. G-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- FAA-P-8740-66, Flying Light Twins Safely — FAA-P-8740-66
- AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-23) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-28) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AFH ch. 18 (p. 18-9) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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