Method for self-testing an angle-of-attack probe and method for checking the velocity of an airflow provided by a series of associated pitot probes and angle-of-attack probe

A method for self-testing an angle-of-attack probe, the angle-of-attack probe being able to measure the angle of attack of an airflow in a measurement region and comprising a rotary element that is rotatable about an axis of rotation under the influence of the airflow, the axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to the direction of said airflow, the rotary element defining an equilibrium position in which its rotation about the axis of rotation is stabilized by the airflow;

• the method comprising the following steps:
• controlling an angular excitation of the rotary element about its equilibrium position according to known excitation characteristics;
• acquiring angular measurements relative to the rotation of the rotary element;
• determining a parasitic torque applied to the rotary element from angular measurements and excitation characteristics;
• comparing at least one component of the parasitic torque with at least one predetermined threshold;
• detecting an operating fault in the probe when said component exceeds the predetermined threshold.