What occurs when an airplane experiences a higher angle of attack?

When an airplane experiences a higher angle of attack, the airflow over the wings changes in a way that can result in increased lift. The angle of attack refers to the angle between the wing's chord line and the oncoming airflow. As this angle increases, the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing becomes more pronounced, leading to greater lift generation up to the critical angle of attack.

However, this increase in angle also leads to higher drag. This is because, as the angle of attack rises, the wing encounters more resistance from the air due to increased turbulence and disruption of the airflow. This combination of increased lift and increased drag is a fundamental aerodynamic interaction in flight, particularly during maneuvers like takeoff and landing where deliberate changes in the angle of attack are common.

Understanding this relationship between angle of attack, lift, and drag is crucial for pilots in managing aircraft performance during various phases of flight.