Build a mind you’re proud of.
The wing's angle is relative to the airflow
Angle of attack is the angle between the wing chord and relative airflow.
The idea
It is different from the aircraft's pitch attitude relative to the horizon. A changing flight path changes the relationship.
An example
The same nose attitude can correspond to different angles of attack during different flight paths.
Put it into practice
Name the reference line before comparing angles.
Further reading: NASA · Glenn Research Center ↗
Test yourself: What reference defines angle of attack?
The relative airflow and wing chord
Angle of attack is referenced to airflow, not simply the horizon.
Explanation and illustrative examples by One Card Wiser. Source linked for further reading.
Open this card in the app →