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. Every 1000 feet we logged the time, altitude, and outside air temperature.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

In certain conditions blowing dust (a “ haboob “) can make an approaching front easily visible. Imagine being on final approach right when a small-scale thermal breaks off the ground that can even send a 300 pound porta-potty flying high into the air. (Btw That does very little when you’re in 10-20 knot sink.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway AGL Lift 52

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The helicopter turned left to return to the airport, travelling at about 85 knots. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing. The helicopter was at treetop height with an indicated airspeed of zero knots when the right yaw ceased. The pilot reported two miles out.

Torque 76

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 76

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

This is consistent with Rick’s report, which referenced 9 knots of wind. 65 kts IAS given the high density altitude. Note that a 43 knot gust from a direction of 190 degrees was measured at 17:39, one minute after the accident (provided that the time stamp is accurate).

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

A go-around is a maneuver performed to abort or reject a landing on the final approach or once the aircraft has already touched down. A common situation is if an aircraft is on final approach, and another holding on the runway cannot take off in time. You have to achieve and maintain Vx or Vy within +10/-5 knots.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

Airspeed variations with weight in light general aviation aircraft are only a handful of knots, so it’s easy to fly the published slow speed when light, the faster speed when heavy, and something in the middle when the aircraft weight is something in the middle. No math required.

General Aviation 73

General Aviation Pilot Approach Runway 73