Quick Facts
- Type
- Flight Instrument
- Definition
- Angle of Attack indicator
- Used By
- Pilots
Definition#
An AOA indicator (Angle of Attack indicator) is a flight instrument that directly measures and displays the aircraft's current angle of attack relative to the critical angle. Some use indexer lights, others a gauge or HUD symbology.
Why It Matters Operationally#
AOA indicators provide a direct reading of stall margin regardless of weight, bank angle, or load factor, making them more reliable than airspeed alone for stall avoidance.