Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

Which factor primarily influences the angle of attack during a climb?

1. Aircraft weight

2. Climb speed

3. Wing configuration

4. Throttle position

The correct answer is: Climb speed

The angle of attack (AoA) is the angle between the chord line of the wing and the relative wind. During a climb, the primary factor influencing the angle of attack is climb speed. As the pilot adjusts the aircraft's speed to maintain a safe climb, this speed directly affects the airflow over the wings and, consequently, the angle at which the wings meet this airflow. When an aircraft climbs, the pilot usually aims for a specific airspeed that optimizes performance; if this airspeed is too low, the angle of attack increases, potentially leading to a stall if it exceeds the critical AoA. Conversely, if the speed is too high, the angle of attack decreases, which could hinder the aircraft's ability to maintain lift. Thus, managing climb speed is essential for controlling the angle of attack effectively during a climb. While other factors like aircraft weight, wing configuration, and throttle position do play roles in overall flight performance, they impact the angle of attack less directly during a climb compared to climb speed, which allows the pilot to strike a balance that ensures safety and efficiency in ascent.