Aerodynamics 3 - Angles

angle of attack

angle between chord line and relative undisturbed airflow

• ↑ α = ↑ L & ↑ D (pushing more air down)

• ↓ α = ↓ L & ↓ D

critical angle

angle at which airflow separates from wing (stall)

pitch angle

angle between aircraft longitudinal axis & horizon

determines aircraft climb/descent rate

• nose up = positive pitch angle = climb

• nose down = negative pitch angle = descent

flight path angle

angle between velocity vector & horizon

determines how steeply an aircraft climbs/ descends

essentially trajectory

angle of incidence

angle between chord line and longitudinal axis

fixed angle at which the wing is mounted to the fuselage