Critical Angle Of Attack
What is critical angle of attack?
The critical angle of attack is the angle between the wing's chord line and the relative wind (typically around 18°) at which the wing stalls—and it will stall at this angle regardless of airspeed, flight attitude, or weight. Exceed this angle and airflow separates from the wing, causing a loss of lift. On the test: remember that a wing always stalls at the same critical angle of attack, NOT at a specific airspeed.
Also known as: critical AOA, stalling angle of attack
Studying for an FAA written test?
Terms like critical angle of attack show up on the FAA knowledge test. Study them in context with ACS-aligned practice questions, AI explanations, and the cited FAA handbook reference behind every answer — free to start.
Learn more in the library
Related terms
- course reversal
- cowl flaps
- crazing
- crew resource management
- critical engine
- cross controlled
- crossfeed
- crosswind component