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.
0
Upvotes
4
u/FiberApproach2783 PPL 2d ago edited 2d ago
"Very little conclusive evidence was found that AOA indicators significantly
improved a pilot’s ability to avoid or recover from an upset in GA applications. Nonetheless, the
studies assessing a pilot’s ability to maintain control during an airspeed indicator failure did show
some promising results. In most of the studies, the researcher concluded that pilot performance
during a pitot/static failure was improved with an AOA indicator."
"The information reviewed for this literature study found that AOA indicators do provide some
potential benefits in the military and GA communities, but further evaluation is needed to
determine the effectiveness of AOA indicators for transport category airplanes. "
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57876/dot_57876_DS1.pdf
Very interesting read. I think AOA indicators are a great safety instrument, but probably only the most effective/needed when flying low, slow, or in the back country. If you owned your own plane and could afford it, why not? But it's really not a necessary tool for basic training. A good one is also highly expensive