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AerodynamicsQuestion 429 of 934

What happens to lift when the wing reaches the critical angle of attack?

  1. Lift begins to diminish rapidly
  2. Lift increases more slowly
  3. Lift becomes equal to drag
  4. Lift stays at its maximum value
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Correct answer: Lift begins to diminish rapidly

When the aircraft reaches the maximum AOA, lift begins to diminish rapidly. This is the stalling AOA.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Lift, page 100

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026