Why can’t pilots make a distinction between attitude and angle of attack?
Usually, familiarity with actual pilot’s view tricks the mind’s eye for changes in angle of attack. In most light airplanes, the airplane will pivot—on its center of gravity—up to15 degrees to compensate for changes in speed, atmosphere, and weight caused by “G” loading. This pivot is AOA. AlphaTrainer is instrumental in developing a concept where the Pilot’s Perceived Attitude is more aligned with the Instantaneous Flight Path than with the attitude of the airplane. For example, visualize that you’re in level flight and want to reduce your airspeed from cruise speed to minimum controllable speed. During cruise speed, let’s say an AOA of 4 degrees, the attitude of the airplane and the Pilot’s Perceived Attitude are essentially level. As the airplane slows to generate an AOA of 12 degrees, the attitude of the airplane will adjust up 8 more degrees. To maintain altitude, the airplane must be held in this nose-up attitude, therefore changing the attitude of the pilot’s body. However, the
