What does the angle of attack represent?

The angle of attack is a crucial aerodynamic concept that measures the angle between the chord line of an airfoil (such as a wing) and the direction of the relative wind or airflow around that wing. This angle directly affects the lift generated by the wing; as the angle of attack increases, the lift typically increases up to a certain point, after which the wing can stall.

In the context of flying, understanding and managing the angle of attack is vital for pilots as it influences aircraft performance, handling characteristics, and safety. A higher angle of attack will result in increased lift but also increases the risk of stalling if it exceeds a critical value. Thus, the correct understanding of angle of attack is fundamental to effective flight control and safety.