Lift vs. angle of attack (opens in new tab)

Yes, this is really how it works, and Bernoulli should be left in the dustbin, since in comparison it's a smaller effect, with more impact for carburetors than aircraft wings.

One small anecdote: the first time I flew a 1-26, I got it a bit slow, and a loud noise and vibration started to come from the flat tail at the rear. Of course, this was me approaching the top of that curve, where lift is lost and the surface stalls. I called ground, and they told me to fly a bit faster, and of course the noise abated.

Anyone who's interested in flight should go fly a sailplane. It really is one of the most awesome experiences a human can have.

Basically it looks like more angle generates more lift as long as there is entrainment of the air by the top surface of the wing. The entrained air is directed at a more aggressive angle, generating more lift (action-reaction). However, at some critical angle, the smooth entrainment of air by the upper surface is replaced by turbulence, as shown in the diagram, taking with it much of the lift.