Multi-point Angle of Attack Sensing for Avoidance of Loss of Control in Flight

Recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promotion of Angle of Attack (AOA) systems for stall prevention to reduce Loss of Control In-flight (LoC-I) accidents in the General Aviation sector has resulted in a proliferation of affordable AOA systems. Most systems consist of a multi-hole differential pressure sensor or a rotating vane sensor for estimation of AOA, some also require additional data from an Air Data Computer. This paper examines an alternative method for multi-point AOA sensing using COTS MEMS pressure transducers. The method employed multiple chord-wise sensors to measure local pressure and this was used to estimate local AOA for improved stall awareness. The results suggest that the multi-point method is feasible for AOA sensing and can provide local stall warning relative to a local chord airfoil. Expanding the system to span-wise has the potential to improve total stall awareness.