The present invention is directed to an AOA (angle of attack) vertical control function for an AFCS (automated flight control system) for an aircraft. The AOA vertical control function of the AFCS causes the aircraft to climb or descend while maintaining the aircraft at a constant AOA. The AFCS may maintain the constant AOA despite changing air data parameters by increasing or decreasing the thrust of the aircraft, the pitch angle of the aircraft, or the angle of incidence of the aircraft wing. By utilizing AOA, an aircraft can be safely directed to automatically climb or descend to any altitude the aircraft is capable of reaching without the risk of stall (unlike Vertical Speed Mode) or the irritation of the FLCH (Flight Level Change) Mode erratic climb.