What is an important function of the AOA (Angle of Attack) sensor?

The important function of the AOA (Angle of Attack) sensor is to provide data for stall warning and flight control systems. The AOA sensor measures the angle between the chord line of the aircraft wing and the oncoming airflow, which is crucial for determining the lift characteristics of the wing. This data becomes particularly important in preventing stalls, as it helps pilots and flight control systems understand when the wing is approaching its critical angle of attack.

In the context of stall warning, the AOA sensor can trigger alerts when the aircraft is close to stalling, providing valuable information that allows pilots to take corrective action. Additionally, this data is used in the operation of flight control systems, helping to optimize aircraft performance during different phases of flight.

While altitude measurement, fuel efficiency calculations, and navigation are critical functions in aviation, they are not the primary roles of the AOA sensor. Altitude is usually monitored by altimeters, fuel efficiency is calculated using a combination of parameters including airspeed and thrust, and navigation relies on various onboard systems like GPS and inertial navigation systems.