Introduction In aviation, the term stall often conjures images of engine failure, but this is a misconception. A stall refers to the loss of lift when an aircraft’s wing exceeds its critical angle of attack, disrupting smooth airflow. Despite its critical nature, stalls are a routine focus of pilot training and a cornerstone of aerodynamic understanding. This article demystifies stalls, exploring their causes, types, recovery techniques, and their role in aviation safety. Illustration explaining aircraft stall, including causes, recovery techniques, and safety considerations. What is a Stall? A stall occurs when the angle of attack (AoA)—the angle between the wing’s chord line and the oncoming air—becomes too steep. Beyond the critical AoA (typically 15–20 degrees for most aircraft), airflow separates from the wing’s upper surface, drastically reducing lift and increasing drag. Key Note: Stalls are not caused by low airspeed alone. An aircraft can stall at any speed or attitude if the ...

Introduction The Angle of Attack (AoA) is a crucial aerodynamic concept in aviation that significantly impacts an aircraft's performance, stability, and safety. It refers to the angle between the chord line of an airfoil (such as a wing) and the oncoming airflow. Managing AoA properly is essential for maintaining lift and avoiding dangerous conditions like stalls. Illustration of Angle of Attack (AOA) showing the angle between the chord line of an airfoil and the direction of the oncoming airflow. Understanding Angle of Attack (AoA) AoA is one of the most important parameters that affect lift generation. When an aircraft moves through the air, the wings create lift by deflecting airflow. The higher the AoA, the more lift is generated—up to a certain limit. 🔹 Key Factors Influencing AoA: Aircraft speed Wing shape and design Air density and weather conditions Control surface movements AoA and Lift Generation As AoA increases, lift also increases—until reaching the critical angle of ...