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Definition of angle of attack

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 20 of 20 on Physics for Aviation. ACS element AM.I.J.K7 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONThe angle of attack of a wing is the angle between the chord line and

  1. Athe longitudinal axis of the airplane
  2. Bthe relative wind
  3. Cthe airplane's lateral axis
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. the relative wind

  • A — incorrect The angle between the chord line and the longitudinal axis is the angle of incidence, a fixed design angle, not the angle of attack.
  • B — correct Angle of attack is defined as the angle between the chord line and the relative wind. As it increases, lift increases until the airflow separates and the wing stalls.
  • C — incorrect The lateral axis runs from wingtip to wingtip and is the axis of pitch. It is not used to define angle of attack.

BACKGROUND

The chord line is an imaginary straight line from the wing's leading edge to its trailing edge. The relative wind is the airflow relative to the wing; it is parallel to the flightpath and travels in the opposite direction. The angle between the chord line and the relative wind is the angle of attack. As the angle of attack increases, lift increases, but if it becomes too great the airflow separates from the wing, lift is destroyed, and a stall occurs. By contrast, the angle between the chord line and the longitudinal axis of the airplane is the angle of incidence.

STUDY TIP

Keep angle of attack (chord line to relative wind, changes in flight) separate from angle of incidence (chord line to longitudinal axis, fixed by design).

KEY POINTS

  • Angle of attack = angle between chord line and relative wind
  • Relative wind is parallel and opposite to the flightpath
  • Excessive angle of attack causes airflow separation and stall

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch05 "Angle of Attack"
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch05 "Relative Wind"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.