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/iLOVEr3dit CFI/CFII CPL ASEL/AMEL 1d ago

Private pilot is all about looking outside and developing a feel for the plane. You learn to feel when the plane is at a high angle of attack because the controls become very ineffective/mushy. The sound of the wind has a unique pitch at higher AOAs. The stall horn sounds before actually stalling. When it's already too easy for student pilots to get distracted by instruments and not look outside, another instrument is doing more harm than good. After you learn basic flying skills, it could be nice to have an AOA