SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sport-critical-aoa

A wing always stalls at the same what, regardless of weight, airspeed or density altitude?

The same angle of attack, called the critical angle of attack.

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  1. Airspeed
  2. Angle of attack ✔
  3. Bank angle

Why: A wing stalls when the airflow separates from its top surface, which happens at its critical angle of attack. Airspeed is not the trigger, so a plane can stall at any speed.

Huh, didn't know that: The critical angle of attack is roughly 16 to 20 degrees, depending on the aircraft's design.

The dad joke
A pilot's attitude does not stall a wing, but his angle of attack sure does.
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References

Answer: Angle of attack. A wing stalls when the airflow separates from its top surface, which happens at its critical angle of attack. Airspeed is not the trigger, so a plane can stall at any speed.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 5 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    same AOA regardless of airspeed, weight, load factor
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 5 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    This critical AOA varies from approximately 16°
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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