What aerodynamic condition occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack?

When a wing exceeds its critical angle of attack, it enters a condition known as a stall. The critical angle of attack is the angle beyond which an increase in angle does not result in an increase in lift and instead leads to a dramatic decrease in lift due to the airflow separating from the wing's surface. This separation disrupts the smooth flow of air over the wing, resulting in a loss of lift and causing the aircraft to potentially descend or lose controlled flight.

Stalling can occur at varying airspeeds and configurations, and it is an important concept to understand for safe flight operations, especially in unmanned aircraft. Recognizing the signs of an impending stall and knowing how to recover from it is essential for any pilot operating under the FAA 107 regulations.

In contrast, other conditions like spinning, lift, or drag represent different aerodynamic phenomena. A spin occurs as a result of an uncontrolled stall and is characterized by rotation about the vertical axis. Lift is the aerodynamic force that directly counteracts weight and allows flight, whereas drag is the aerodynamic resistance that opposes movement through the air. Understanding the distinction between these concepts is vital for pilots to maintain control of their aircraft.