What is the term used to describe the alignment of wings relative to the fuselage?

The term that describes the alignment of wings relative to the fuselage is wing incidence. This refers to the angle at which the wing is attached to the fuselage and is a critical factor in determining the aircraft's aerodynamic performance. Wing incidence affects lift, drag, and overall stability during flight.

When a wing is mounted with a positive incidence, it means that the leading edge of the wing is tilted upward relative to the fuselage, which can enhance lift at lower speeds. Conversely, if the wing has a negative incidence, the leading edge is tilted downward, which can influence handling characteristics and performance during various flight phases.

Understanding wing incidence is paramount for aircraft design and flight safety, as it plays a significant role in how the aircraft behaves in the air, particularly in terms of its ability to generate lift and operate efficiently across different flight conditions.