View Single Post
Old 07-30-2013, 04:04 AM
  #1  
USMCFLYR
Gets Weekends Off
 
USMCFLYR's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,835
Thumbs up Safety through AOA

The forum has had recent discussions on the use of AoA - particularly on the value added to GA. This FAASafety brief came through the email this morning.

FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education
What’s your angle?
Notice Number: NOTC4886
Want to help reduce GA accidents? Know your angle. Angle of attack, that is…

The majority of GA accidents occur when a pilot loses control of the aircraft. This usually happens in airplanes when a wing stalls and the plane enters a spin. The wing stalls when the critical angle of attack (AOA) is exceeded.

Remember, the wing (and aircraft) can stall at:
· Any airspeed
· Any attitude
· Any power setting
But, the wing always stalls at the same AOA.

The stall speed published in the airplane flight manual is only valid for:
· Unaccelerated flight (1g load factor)
· Coordinated flight (ball centered)
· At (usually) max gross weight
So, a pilot may be surprised to find the wing has stalled above the published stall speed.

AOA can be very useful in enhancing safety. Having an AOA meter is the best way to remain aware of your AOA.



If you don’t have an AOA meter, here’s a quick tip on how to manage your critical AOA:
  • See it – in the pitch attitude and airspeed indication.
  • Hear it - in the existing stall warning systems.
  • Feel it – in the seat of your pants when the wing begins to buffet.
  • Recover it – by reducing the pitch of the aircraft.
Regardless of the aircraft’s attitude, reducing the pitch reduces the angle of attack and recovers from the stall.


Want to learn more?
USMCFLYR is offline