Plain English Meaning

The steepest angle the wing can meet the oncoming air before it stops producing enough lift to keep the airplane flying. Go past that angle and the wing stalls, no matter how fast you are going.

Full Definition

The angle of attack at which a wing produces its maximum coefficient of lift. Beyond this angle, airflow over the upper wing surface separates and the wing stalls, regardless of airspeed, weight, bank angle, or power setting.

Context Anchor

You will see this term in stall awareness, slow flight, , and any of why an airplane can at different and .