Which inputs are used by the AOA system to determine angle of attack?

• A. AOA vane, flap position microswitch, landing gear (when extended)
• B. Pitot tube, flap lever, outboard gear door switch (when extended)
• C. AOA indexer, landing gear handle, elevator trim
• D. Airspeed indicator, altitude, vertical speed

Answer: (A)

Angle of attack is read from the AOA vane, which directly senses the air’s direction relative to the wing. But the airplane’s configuration changes how that reading is interpreted. The flap position tells the system whether flaps are extended, and the landing gear status indicates a landing configuration. These configuration inputs let the AOA system adjust or gate warnings and display the correct angle of attack for the current configuration. In short, the primary measurement comes from the AOA vane, with flap position and gear status providing the necessary context so the system can determine the true angle of attack for safe operation.