How does an increase in angle of attack (AOA) affect lift and drag?

An increase in angle of attack (AOA) initially leads to an increase in lift due to the greater angle at which the wing meets the oncoming airflow. This increase in lift continues up to a certain point, known as the critical angle of attack. Beyond this angle, lift actually begins to decrease due to the onset of stall, where airflow separates from the wing's upper surface.

At the same time, as the AOA increases, drag also increases. This is because the airflow over the wing becomes more turbulent, and the resistance experienced by the wing increases due to the greater surface area encountering the air at a higher angle. Therefore, it is accurate to say that with a higher angle of attack, lift can initially rise, but following that point, it will decrease alongside an increase in drag.

The combination of increasing drag and the potential for decreasing lift at high AOAs provides clear insight into the aerodynamics at play, making the answer that describes the increase in AOA leading to increased drag while stating that lift decreases after a certain point the most comprehensive.

This understanding is crucial for pilots as it informs decisions regarding the safe operational limits of aircraft, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing where high AOA is common.