What does the angle of attack refer to in aerodynamics?

The angle of attack refers to the angle between the chord line of an airfoil (typically the wing) and the direction of the relative wind (the airflow that the wing experiences as the aircraft moves through the air). This angle is critical in understanding how lift is generated. As the angle of attack increases, the lift produced by the wing also increases, up to a certain point.

Understanding this concept is essential for pilots because it directly impacts the aircraft's performance and stability. If the angle of attack becomes too high, the airflow can separate from the wing's upper surface, leading to a stall. This highlights the importance of managing the angle of attack during flight to maintain lift and avoid losing control of the aircraft.