SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cap-stall-angle-of-attack

A wing stalls when it exceeds its critical what?

Angle of attack, no matter how fast it is going.

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  1. Airspeed
  2. Altitude
  3. Angle of attack ✔

Why: A stall is about the wing's angle to the air, not speed alone. Past the critical angle, the airflow separates and the wing stops making enough lift.

Huh, didn't know that: A higher load factor raises stall speed, so in steep turns a wing can stall at a higher airspeed than usual.

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Who invented the first airplane that couldn't take off? The Wrong Brothers.
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References

Answer: Angle of attack. A stall is about the wing's angle to the air, not speed alone. Past the critical angle, the airflow separates and the wing stops making enough lift.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 5 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    a given aircraft always stalls at the same AOA regardless of airspeed, weight, load factor, or density altitude
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 5 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    An increased load factor increases the stalling speed and makes stalls possible at seemingly safe flight speeds.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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