What happens to the angle of incidence of an airplane at rest when it is in flight?

The angle of incidence of an airplane refers to the angle between the chord line of the wing and the longitudinal axis of the airplane. This angle is a fixed design characteristic and does not change when the airplane transitions from being at rest on the ground to in flight. The primary structural design of the aircraft includes this angle, and it is set by the manufacturer to ensure optimal aerodynamic performance.

In flight, while other parameters like the angle of attack can vary significantly as the aircraft maneuvers, the angle of incidence remains constant. This stability is critical because it provides a predictable aerodynamic configuration throughout the flight operation, contributing to the aircraft’s stability and control.

Changes in lift, drag, and other aerodynamic forces during flight are influenced by other factors, particularly the angle of attack, but the angle of incidence itself remains unchanged. Thus, the correct understanding is that the angle of incidence does not change, maintaining its significance in the overall design and functionality of the aircraft.