What aerodynamic phenomenon does increasing the angle of attack during slow flight help to prevent?

Increasing the angle of attack during slow flight is a critical maneuver to maintain control of the aircraft and prevent stalling. As an aircraft slows down, it approaches its critical angle of attack—the point at which the airflow can no longer smoothly adhere to the wing's upper surface, leading to a stall. By carefully increasing the angle of attack within safe limits, a pilot can maintain lift even in slow-flight scenarios, allowing the aircraft to remain airborne and avoid an undesired stall condition.

Understanding that the angle of attack must be managed is essential when flying at low airspeeds. If the angle of attack exceeds the critical threshold, the aircraft will lose lift, potentially leading to a complete stall, regression in flight performance, and loss of control. Thus, optimizing the angle of attack during these periods is vital for safety and effective aircraft handling.