Question about zero lift angle of attack
 

Hi,

For an average cambered wing like that found on a typical training aircraft, such as a Cessna 172, at about -4 angle of attack, the lift is zero and CL = 0.

But is it possible to achieve -4 angle of attack on a Cessna 172? If so, how to do it?

Thanks,
Issac

Push the yoke forwards?

You certainly will not be able to sustain this for long, as said, push forward and you can achieve it, the other way is to get the right attitude vertically either up or down - can be done but not reccomended in a C172!

Push to zero g and maintain until you run out of atmosphere, therefore as high as possible.

Any of you heard of a phugoid?

This looks like a 172



Normal category G limits +3.8 to -1.52, so go for it!!

All very well but what about a wet sump oil system and a carbureted engine? Mine dumps oil out the breather and the engne can stop.

Idle power as you go over the top and it should be fine. You only get a few seconds before common sense dictates you pull out.

I used to put something small on the dashboard and watch as it floated off. But one day the dashboard coaming floated off and landed in my passenger's lap.

Thank you guys, I got it now.