angle of attack

The angle of attack is the acute angle between the direction of the relative wind and the chord of an airfoil. This angle is crucial in aerodynamics, influencing the amount of lift an airfoil generates. For an airplane wing, the angle of attack, along with the airfoil's shape and the speed of the air, determines the total lift produced.12

In helicopters, the angle of attack of the rotor blades is also vital for lift. Pilots can adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades, which in turn changes their angle of attack and thus the lift generated. Increasing the angle of attack generally increases lift, but it also increases drag and can lead to a stall if the angle becomes too great.32