Chess In the Air

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Self-launch from high-altitude airports, not just from Boulder but also after a possible landout at another airport. The density altitude can be several thousand feet higher. There are no hangars for gliders in Boulder and tie down space is limited. Boulder is at 5,300 ft, Salida at 7,500, Leadville at 10,000.

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Cockpit Tail 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. As altitude increases, air molecules spread out, resulting in less power and lift.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The operator had a surveillance camera inside the hangar to capture the work and the preflight inspections. Feather the blades to generate lift from the upward flow of air during the descent (instead of pushing the air downwards in powered flight). This accident led the operator to revisit their maintenance protocols.

Torque 94

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 94

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

The airplane’s engine, propeller, and wings, which have struggled all summer against the ravages of high temperatures and density altitude, are now in their happy place. Ramps need plowing, the T-hangar door is frozen closed, the fuel truck won’t start, and there is a waiting list for deicing.

Ceiling 105

Ceiling Airplanes Weather Density Altitude 105

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

The airplane’s engine, propeller, and wings, which have struggled all summer against the ravages of high temperatures and density altitude, are now in their happy place. Ramps need plowing, the T-hangar door is frozen closed, the fuel truck won’t start, and there is a waiting list for deicing.

Ceiling 98

Ceiling Airplanes Weather Density Altitude 98

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

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. 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.

Density Altitude 61

Density Altitude Airplanes Wind Shear Pilot 61

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. 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.

Airplanes 80

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 80