Air Facts

MAY 24, 2024

Even though this was late May, it was early enough in the day that the temperatures and density altitude hadn’t climbed to outrageous heights—yet. Pointing my thumb into the wind to get my ailerons around I counted one…two…three, and still, no upwind main touching down. At that point, I decided to go around.

Aileron 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

I spent a few months researching aircraft performance and high altitude airport flying techniques. Density Altitude Piston engines, wings, and propellers lose efficiency as they climb to less dense air at higher altitudes. So, the airplane performs like it’s at 10,000 feet.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

It was 87° F, a density altitude of 7300 feet and we ended up with four people, 120 gallons plus baggage, and we got off in 2400 feet with naturally aspirated engines. The wing’s dead-smooth surface plus the tight-fitting aileron and flap brackets plus aileron gap seals give the build a professional factory look (left).

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77