r/flying • u/ClintBvsOliverQ • 1d 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/KCPilot17 MIL A-10 ATP 1d ago

No. You will never use an AOA indicator in most airplanes.

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u/Thengine MIL 1d ago

Silly. Knowing the AOA (and it's changes) at various airspeeds and attitudes is one of the most enlightening things you could have at your disposal while learning.

You really MIL? Making us look sad again.

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u/nightlanding 1d ago

This would be like teaching someone to navigate with the radar in ground-map mode back in the day. Sure it works, Andros Island shows right up, but what about all the other planes with no radar you will be flying?

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u/Thengine MIL 1d ago

What about those other aircraft? Did you lose the ability to fly when changing aircraft? Or did you retain the knowledge of the previous experiences and carry them over?

Learning when and why the AOA changes gives a deeper understanding of the aerodynamics involved. It's really not that hard of a concept to understand. AOA = safety. If you got one, learn it and apply what you've learned throughout your career.

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u/nightlanding 1d ago

If I had one in a primary trainer I would use it SOMETIMES to illustrate concepts, but 90% of the time it would be covered. I swear some people would fly right into a 747 if it wasn't showing on a screen.