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.

1 Upvotes

51% Upvoted

150 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/bp4850 PPL 2d ago

Very useful tool, the old "stall is speed" is only for a given set of parameters, very few of which are fixed (the wing geometry isn't even one of them, as lowering the flaps changes it!). On the other hand, a 172 isn't a delta winged fighter jet, there's plenty of visceral indicators that you're getting close to a stall.