Definition
The condition in which the chord line of an airfoil meets the relative wind from below, so that the relative wind strikes the lower surface of the airfoil. A positive angle of attack normally produces lift in the upward direction.
Plain English
The wing is tilted so that the oncoming air hits its underside. This is the normal way a wing is held to make lift and keep the aircraft flying.
Context Anchor
Seen in aerodynamics and flight-control discussions, especially when learning how pitch changes affect lift.
Derivation
Positive here means the angle is measured upward from the relative wind to the chord line, rather than downward. It is a sign convention, not a value judgment — positive simply marks the direction of the tilt.
Why Pilots Care
Almost all normal flight happens at a positive angle of attack. Knowing this helps pilots understand why pitching the nose up (within limits) increases lift, and why exceeding the critical angle — still a positive angle — causes a stall.
Grounding Statement
Picture the wing meeting the airflow with its front edge slightly higher than its back edge.
Intuition Check
Positive does not mean good or safe here. It means greater than zero; the angle can still become too large.
Example Sentence 1
During the climb, the wing is held at a positive angle of attack to produce the lift needed to gain altitude.
Example Sentence 2
If the pilot raises the nose too far the positive angle of attack becomes excessive and the wing stalls.