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

Air Facts

MAY 24, 2024

Centerline, centerline, centerline Air Facts Journal It was a beautiful May day as we grabbed the tow bar to pull the 1981 Cessna 182 out of the hangar. After one last check to my left to make sure there weren’t any yahoos on an unapproved short final (old habit), I took the runway then pressed the throttle in to full power.

Aileron 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

It shows the helicopter flying normally, aligned to the runway, and then begin a gentle climb. The pilot told the airport tower controller that he may need the runway. The controller asked the pilot to report when two miles out and to expect runway 28. It rotated several times before crashing into the grass north of runway 28.

Torque 98

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 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. Pressure altitudes were converted to density altitude.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

We didn’t have a heated hangar, but our chief instructor pointed out that, if we did, melted water could collect in the control surfaces, waiting to refreeze once the plane left the hangar and put the control surfaces out of balance. I don’t recall how we did it, 50 years ago, but I still remember being told not to pound on the C172.

Knot 88

Knot Weather Density Altitude True Airspeed 88

Gary's Flight Journal

OCTOBER 25, 2023

Something about the best laid plans… I didn’t go back to the hangar last night to plug in, I should have. Density altitude was -1,800 feet. I did give the firewall and gear a once over after taking a peek at the runway for miscellaneous parts that may have been left behind. I roll for take off at 7:45 sunrise was 7:16.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Firewall Runway Approach 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

We didn’t have a heated hangar, but our chief instructor pointed out that, if we did, melted water could collect in the control surfaces, waiting to refreeze once the plane left the hangar and put the control surfaces out of balance. I don’t recall how we did it, 50 years ago, but I still remember being told not to pound on the C172.

Knot 76

Knot Weather Density Altitude True Airspeed 76