What aspect of the aircraft may affect the angle of arrival calculation?

The angle of attack is crucial in determining the aerodynamic performance of an aircraft, as it is the angle between the aircraft's wing and the oncoming airflow. This angle significantly impacts the lift generated by the wings, and therefore can alter the dynamics of how an aircraft arrives at a particular flight path or angle of arrival.

As the angle of attack changes, it alters the lift and drag characteristics of the aircraft, affecting its speed and stability during descent or approach phases. If the angle of attack exceeds a certain threshold, it can lead to stall conditions, further complicating the angle of arrival calculation.

In contrast, while speed, altitude, and wing configuration are relevant to overall flight dynamics, they are secondary considerations in relation to how directly the angle of attack influences lift and thus the angle of arrival. Speed, for example, can affect how quickly the aircraft can respond to changes in angle of attack, and altitude may influence air density and performance, but the immediate relationship between angle of attack and flight mechanics makes it the most significant factor in this context.