What is the angle of attack defined as?

The angle of attack is defined as the angle between the chord line of the wing and the relative wind. This is a crucial concept in aerodynamics because it directly influences the lift produced by the wing. As the angle of attack increases, the airflow over the wing changes, which affects the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, thereby altering the lift. It's important for pilots to understand this relationship, as exceeding a critical angle of attack can lead to a stall, where lift dramatically decreases and the aircraft may lose altitude.

Understanding this definition helps pilots to control their flight effectively, particularly during takeoff, climb, and landing phases, where managing the angle of attack is essential for safe operations.