How is the term "angle of attack" defined?

The term "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 because the angle of attack influences the amount of lift generated by the wing. When the plane's nose is pointed up relative to the oncoming air (the relative wind), the angle of attack increases, resulting in a greater lift until a certain point. Beyond that point, if the angle of attack becomes too steep, the wing can stall, resulting in a sudden decrease in lift.

Understanding the angle of attack is essential for pilots because it plays a significant role in controlling the aircraft’s performance during takeoff, landing, and maneuvers. Pilots must be aware of this concept to maintain safe operational practices and optimize the aircraft's performance under various flight conditions.