Leading edge

General

The leading edge is the front edge of a wing, rotor blade, propeller blade or tail surface that meets the airflow first. Its shape and surface condition strongly affect lift, drag and stall behaviour. Dirt, insects, ice or damage there can disturb the airflow and reduce performance. Pilots inspect it during preflight and keep it clean, undamaged and free of contamination.

Also known as

wing leading edgerotor blade leading edge

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