At what reading on the AOA gauge does a stall occur?

A stall in an aircraft typically occurs at a critical angle of attack (AOA), and for the T-6 aircraft, this angle is represented in units on the AOA gauge. The stall is signaled when the AOA reaches approximately 18 units. This is the point where the airflow begins to separate from the wing surface, leading to a loss of lift.

Understanding the AOA gauge is crucial for pilots, as it provides an indication of how close they are to the stall angle. Operating below the critical AOA allows for safe maneuvering, while exceeding it can lead to a stall, which necessitates immediate corrective action.

Other readings on the AOA gauge may indicate various stages of operation (below stall or approaching stall), but 18 units is specifically the threshold at which a stall becomes imminent in the T-6. Therefore, recognizing that 18 units signifies the critical point for stall conditions is vital for safe flight operation in this aircraft.