What is a critical angle of attack?

The critical angle of attack is defined as the specific angle at which an airfoil experiences a dramatic reduction in lift due to the onset of airflow separation. This occurs just before stalling begins, which is when the smooth flow of air over the wings is disrupted, leading to a significant loss of lift. This angle is crucial for pilots to understand, as exceeding this angle can lead to a stall condition, where the aircraft can no longer maintain controlled flight.

Identifying the critical angle is essential for safe aircraft operation, particularly during maneuvers that approach this limit, such as climbing or turning. Understanding this concept helps pilots ensure they maintain performance and safety throughout various flight phases. The other options, while related to aircraft performance, do not accurately describe the critical angle of attack. For example, maximizing lift refers to the optimal operational conditions rather than the onset of stall.