Private Pilot Private Exam

The term "angle of attack" is defined as the angle...

1. Between the wing chord line and the relative wind.

2. Between the aircraft's nose and the horizon.

3. Between the wingtip and the flight path.

4. Between the vertical stabilizer and the relative wind.

The correct answer is: Between the wing chord line and the relative wind.

The angle of attack is defined as the angle between the wing's chord line and the relative wind. This is a critical concept in aerodynamics, as the angle of attack directly influences the lift produced by the wing. When the wing is pitched relative to the oncoming air (relative wind), the airflow over the wing is altered, impacting pressure distribution and lift. An increase in angle of attack generally results in increased lift up to a certain point, known as the critical angle of attack, beyond which the wing may stall. This relationship is vital for pilots to understand, as maintaining appropriate angles of attack during climb, descent, and turns is essential for safe flight operations. This connection between the wing’s orientation and the resultant aerodynamic forces makes understanding the angle of attack key to effective flight maneuvers and overall aircraft control. The other definitions provided do not accurately capture the relationship that defines angle of attack, focusing instead on other aspects of aircraft orientation or geometry.