Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪɒə] (IPA) 
The acronym "AOA" is spelled with three letters: /eɪ.oʊ.eɪ/. The first letter "A" is pronounced as the diphthong /eɪ/, which is a combination of the sounds /e/ (like "eh") and /ɪ/ (like "ee"). The second letter "O" is pronounced as the monophthong /oʊ/, which sounds like a longer version of the "o" sound in "go". The final letter "A" is again pronounced as /eɪ/, the same as the first letter. Altogether, the word is pronounced as "AY-oh-AY".
AOA is an acronym that stands for "angle of attack." It is a term used in aerospace engineering and aviation to describe the angle between the oncoming airflow and a reference line or surface of an object, such as an aircraft wing or a propeller blade. This angle is integral in determining the aerodynamic characteristics of an aircraft and affects its lift, drag, and stall behavior.
In simple terms, AOA represents the inclination of an aircraft's wing or any other aerodynamic surface relative to the direction of the air it is moving through. A positive AOA means that the leading edge of the wing is pitched upward with respect to the air, while a negative AOA indicates a downward pitch. AOA directly influences how much lift the wing generates, as a higher angle will create greater lift, up to a certain point where further increase can cause a stall.
Maintaining an optimal AOA during flight is crucial for sustaining lift and control. Pilots use various instruments to monitor AOA, such as angle-of-attack indicators, to ensure the aircraft is operating within the recommended AOA range. Understanding AOA is also vital when considering aircraft performance, takeoff and landing speeds, and maneuverability.
In academia, AOA is commonly used as an abbreviation for "Alpha Omega Alpha," which is a prestigious medical honor society. However, in the context of aviation and aerospace engineering, AOA predominantly refers to "angle of attack."
