Definition
The additional angle of attack created by the downward component of the relative wind (downwash) produced when a wing generates lift. Induced AOA is added to the geometric angle of attack to give the effective angle of attack the wing actually experiences. It is closely tied to induced drag and is reduced when the airplane is in ground effect, because the ground interferes with the formation of wingtip vortices and downwash.
Plain English
When a wing makes lift, it pulls air downward behind it. That downward-moving air tilts the oncoming airflow slightly downward too, so the wing meets the air at a less favorable angle than it would otherwise. The extra tilt added by this downward airflow is called induced AOA. Near the ground, that downward airflow is partly blocked, so induced AOA shrinks and the wing produces lift more efficiently.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of ground effect, especially during takeoff, landing, and low-altitude flight close to the runway.
Derivation
Induced means 'brought about by' — from Latin inducere, 'to lead in.' The wing itself induces (causes) the downward airflow that creates this extra angle, which is why it's called induced rather than geometric or built-in.
Why Pilots Care
A lower induced AOA in ground effect reduces induced drag and improves lift efficiency, which affects how the airplane performs just before touchdown or during a low-level takeoff.
Grounding Statement
Induced AOA is the small downward tilt the wing's own downwash adds to the oncoming air, making the wing meet the air at a worse angle than the airplane's pitch alone would suggest.
Intuition Check
Induced AOA is not the same as the pitch attitude you see from the cockpit. It is an airflow effect caused by the wing making lift.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane descended into ground effect on final, induced AOA decreased and the airplane began to float down the runway.
Example Sentence 2
The reduction in induced AOA explains why the airplane tends to float farther than expected during a landing in calm wind.