Critical Angle of Attack: The Angle at Which a Wing Stalls Irrespective of Airspeed, Flight Attitude, or Weight
The critical angle of attack is a term used in aviation to describe the angle at which the wing of an aircraft stalls, regardless of the flight attitude, airspeed, or weight of the aircraft. In other words, the critical angle of attack is the point at which lift ceases to be produced on the wings and the aircraft begins to lose altitude rapidly.
At this critical angle of attack, the airflow over the wings becomes turbulent, causing the lift to decrease rapidly and ultimately leading to a loss of control. Pilots are trained to recognize and avoid this critical angle of attack by maintaining proper airspeed and wing loading.
It is important to note that the critical angle of attack is different for different aircraft types and configurations. Factors such as wing shape, size, and loading, as well as air density and temperature, can all affect the critical angle of attack. As a result, pilots must be familiar with the specific characteristics of the aircraft they are flying and know how to recognize the signs of an impending stall before it occurs.
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