In what situation can a pilot encounter a critical angle of attack?

The concept of critical angle of attack is fundamental in aerodynamics and relates to the maximum angle at which the wing can generate lift before experiencing stall conditions. The critical angle of attack is not confined to specific flight conditions such as descending, pulling G-forces, or weight limits. Instead, it is a fixed characteristic of the wing or airfoil design and depends on its shape and configuration.

This angle can be encountered in various flight conditions, whether the aircraft is climbing, cruising, descending, or maneuvering. It is crucial for pilots to understand that reaching the critical angle of attack is about the relationship between the airflow over the wings and the angle at which the wings meet the oncoming air, rather than external factors like descent rate or aircraft weight. Therefore, the critical angle of attack can be reached under a wide array of operational conditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the appropriate angle of attack to avoid stalling the aircraft.