Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind. Temperature An increase in temperature will increase the density altitude.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

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

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. With a little forward pressure on the yoke, I was able to keep the airplane on the runway to continue picking up airspeed as we arrived at my target of 60 knots for takeoff.

Aileron 72

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 72