What does a stall angle of attack (AOA) indicate?

A stall angle of attack (AOA) refers to the critical angle at which an aircraft wing can no longer generate sufficient lift to sustain level flight, resulting in a stall. When the angle of attack exceeds this critical value, the airflow becomes separated from the wing's upper surface, leading to a significant loss of lift. Therefore, this angle is essential for pilots to understand, as it indicates the maximum lift a wing can produce before the onset of a stall.

Understanding the stall AOA is crucial for safe flight operations, allowing pilots to recognize the limits of performance and to avoid situations that could lead to a stall. Other options might discuss related concepts, but none defines the AOA as accurately as the identification of maximum lift generation before a stall occurs.