The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has long recognized the importance of Angle of Attack (AoA) indicators in enhancing aviation safety. To reinforce this, the FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) 2024-07, titled "Stall Warning System: Angle of Attack Alerting Systems," which highlights the benefits of AoA systems for general aviation aircraft.Released on December 26, 2024, this bulletin provides a strong recommendation for the installation of AoA indicators in all Part 23 aircraft, as well as aircraft operating under Part 121, 135, or 91 regulations. The FAA's endorsement underscores the crucial role that AoA indicators play in preventing loss-of-control (LOC) incidents and accidents, which are among the leading causes of fatal crashes in general aviation.
AoA indicators measure the angle between the wing’s chord line and the relative airflow, providing real-time feedback to pilots. Unlike airspeed indicators, which are affected by variables such as aircraft weight, bank angle, flap settings, and density altitude, AoA indicators provide a direct and consistent measurement of aerodynamic performance. This allows pilots to make more informed decisions about aircraft handling, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff, landing, and maneuvering.
The FAA’s SAIB 2024-07 was influenced by historical aviation incidents that highlight the dangers of inadequate stall awareness. One such tragic event was the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009, in Clarence Center, New York. The accident, which resulted in the loss of 50 lives, was attributed to the captain’s inappropriate response to the activation of the aircraft’s stick shaker—a warning of an impending stall. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified several contributing factors, including the flight crew’s failure to monitor airspeed, inadequate adherence to sterile cockpit procedures, and ineffective flight management.
Following the Colgan Air accident, the NTSB recommended that the FAA mandate the installation of low airspeed alerting systems on all aircraft. SAIB 2024-07 aligns with this recommendation by encouraging the widespread adoption of AoA indicators, which offer a more precise and reliable stall warning than traditional airspeed measurements. These systems provide visual and auditory alerts, enabling pilots to react swiftly and appropriately to avoid aerodynamic stalls.
Modern Absolute AoA indicators have evolved significantly from their traditional counterparts. Older systems relied on mechanical vanes or differential pressure sensors, which, while effective, were often costly, heavy, and subject to inaccuracies due to changes in atmospheric conditions. Today’s digital AoA indicators leverage advanced computational models and multi-sensor technology to provide:
As technology continues to advance, the adoption of modern Absolute AoA systems will play an even greater role in ensuring flight safety for pilots worldwide.
Learn more about the modern AoA Indicator:
Learn more about the modern AoA Indicator