Originally Posted by
Goldenrivett
Hi bohpilot,
I can see why you are confused - the diagram has an error.
The inverted aeroplane's velocity vector would be more towards earth relative to the aircraft axis. (diagram shows the velocity vector impossibly giving lift in that attitude)
For level inverted flight, the aircraft axis would be have to be above the velocity vector axis.
There is nothing wrong with the diagram. All of these configurations are possible, momentarily. The inverted airplane shows what is happening about 2/3 of the way through a loop.
You're assuming it's trying to show sustained inverted flight, but it's not. If it were, then yes it would need a negative AOA (what's shown is positive) and therefore aircraft axis above the velocity vector, as you say.