What does "angle of attack" signify in aviation?

The angle of attack is a critical concept in aviation, representing the angle between the wing's chord line and the oncoming airflow. This measurement is vital because it directly influences the lift generated by the wing. As the angle of attack increases, the lift also typically increases up to a certain point known as the critical angle of attack. Beyond this angle, however, lift can decrease dramatically, leading to a stall.

Understanding angle of attack is essential for pilots in managing their aircraft's performance, particularly during flight maneuvers, takeoffs, and landings. By maintaining the optimal angle of attack, pilots can ensure efficient flight and prevent potentially dangerous situations like stalling. It's important to distinguish this definition from other concepts in aviation. The tilt of the wings relative to the ground pertains to the aircraft's orientation rather than the aerodynamic aspects of how the wing interacts with airflow. The steepness of climb or descent relates to the aircraft's vertical speed relative to its horizontal distance, while the degree of bank during a turn refers specifically to the aircraft's lateral tilt in a curved flight path. Each of these aspects is important in aviation, but they serve different purposes and do not specifically define the angle of attack.