The Missing Instrument

Stephen Pope

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 11:11 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Despite rapid advancements in light general aviation (GA) cockpit technologies, the crucial angle-of-attack (AOA) indicator remains largely absent from most aircraft.
AOA is a fundamental aerodynamic parameter, as a wing stalls at a specific AOA regardless of airspeed, making an AOA indicator vital for flight safety and accurate performance unique to each flight scenario.
While commonplace in airliners and corporate jets, AOA indicators for light GA planes face challenges like cost and sensor placement, though aftermarket systems exist and could significantly benefit both experienced and student pilots.

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When you think about the array of flight technologies available in today’s light general aviation airplanes, it’s sometimes hard to believe we’ve come so far so fast.

From infrared enhanced-vision systems and computer-generated synthetic-vision technology to satellite downlinked weather graphics and GPS precision-approach capability, all presented on bright, colorful flat-panel cockpit displays, the instrument panel of a Cessna Skyhawk built today looks amazingly different than it did in 172s flying 10, 20, 30, 40 or (can it really be possible?) 50 years ago.