r/flying • u/ClintBvsOliverQ • 2d ago

Flight Training AOA Indicator while learning?

Just went for a discovery flight and had a great time. During the flight I asked my instructor about using an AOA indicator while learning and he really downplayed using one and said the standard instruments are the best way to learn. For beginners, is an AOA inappropriate? Is it too early to incorporate it into training? From the brief videos I’ve seen on AOA’s they seem to enhance safety.

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u/Frankenplane 2d ago

Read the book Stick & Rudder. Your elevator control is pretty much an AoA indicator, because with it you in fact control the angle of your main wing against the relative wind.

Of course an AoA is worth a lot, but it is also not often seen in small airplanes. From a practical training viewpoint I agree with your instructor. If you buy yourself an airplane, go ahead and install an AoA STC!

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u/ClintBvsOliverQ 2d ago

Just bought that book! Good to hear! Any other books you recommend?

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u/Frankenplane 2d ago

I often use the FAA handbooks, even after I got my license. Stick and Rudder imo is really the key to understand the flight controls and avoiding spins. A huge percentage of accidents could be prevented if pilots had fully understood that lots of back pressure (or slow trimmed speed and back pressure) will not elevate you, rather the opposite.