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 Pilot 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 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

In still air, the climb rate under full power is likely in the range of 3-5 kts given the high density altitude environment at Rifle. That does very little when you’re in 10-20 knot sink. We should make more pro-active use of our radios to warn other aviators of threatening weather. Absolutely!

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway AGL Lift 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

After we decided this, we heard a Challenger jet announce “Taxiing to 26 for takeoff”. It’s worth noting that Shmulik had a close call in the past: a jet pulled onto the runway in front of him with no radio call. This near miss was avoided only by the jet taking off immediately in front of him. He tried again, with no reply.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

We routinely taxi at 1200 rpm due to the low spray…[we] can cruise at 10 knots” in displacement mode, something a Goose can’t do. Early on a speed restriction of 130 knots was applied as a flutter issue. This was resolved on the kit version and led to cruising at 50% power and 120 knots, which proved to be the Gweduck’s sweet spot.

Airplanes 62

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 62