Just as training is required for any system in an aircraft, AOA indicators have training considerations also. A more comprehensive understanding of AOA in general should be the goal of this training along with the specific operating characteristics and limitation of the installed AOA indicator. Ground and flight instructors should make every attempt to receive training from an instructor knowledgeable about AOA indicators prior to giving instruction pertaining to or in airplanes equipped with an AOA indicator. Pilot schools should incorporate training on AOA indicators in their syllabi whether their training aircraft are equipped with them or not. 

Installation of AOA indicators not required by type certification in GA airplanes has recently been streamlined by the FAA. The FAA established policy in February 2014 pertaining to non- required AOA systems and how they may be installed as a minor alteration, depending upon their installation requirements and operational utilization, and the procedures to take for certification of these installations. For updated information on this, please reference the FAA webpage at http://www.faa.gov. 

While AOA indicators provide a simple visual representation of the current AOA and its proximity to the critical AOA, they are not without their limitations. These limitations should be understood by operators of GA airplanes equipped with these devices. Like advanced automation such as autopilots and moving maps, the misunderstanding or misuse of the equipment can have disastrous results. Some items which may limit the effectiveness of an AOA indicator are listed below: 

• Calibration techniques 

• Probes or vanes not being heated 

• The type of indicator itself 

• Flap setting 

• Wing Contamination 

Pilots of GA airplanes equipped with AOA indicators should contact the manufacturer for specific limitations applicable to that installation. 

