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. As I tuned the ATIS for Destin Executive, I was glad to hear there was no ceiling reported. No ceiling so no hold for us today! Approach switched me to Tower.

Aileron 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

We may be the best pilot ever born, but we can’t force a tired Skyhawk to climb above its genuine absolute ceiling, undefined by any performance chart. And the finest example of a Cirrus SR22 is not going to want to lift a full load out of a backcountry strip on a warm afternoon with a density altitude reading five digits.

Density Altitude 58

Density Altitude Airplanes Wind Shear Pilot 58

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Combining the Gweduck’s advanced hull with its counter-rotating propellers means differential power allows crosswind water taxiing impossible in floatplanes along with higher hull-in-water taxiing speeds. “We As for outright performance, the Gweduck “will hold altitude on one engine.” A not so obvious advantage is taxiing.

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77