Flight Training Central

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

What effect does high density altitude have on aircraft performance? What is the headwind component for a landing on Runway 18 if the tower reports the wind as 215° at 30 knots? What true airspeed should a pilot expect at 9,000 feet on a standard day with 65 percent maximum continuous power? It reduces climb performance.

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Density Altitude Knot Ground Effect True Airspeed 105

Plane and Pilot

JULY 16, 2024

Becoming a private pilot is a challenging process and a big accomplishment. Student pilots go through many hours of flight and ground training to become proficient in the required skills and knowledge to ultimately earn their private pilot certificate. What Is the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam?

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Density Altitude Pilot Center of Gravity VOR 71

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill. They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Whether you’re new to short field landings or a pilot needing a refresher, this essential guide is for you. Feeling overwhelmed by this challenging maneuver?

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Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

Pilots who regularly operate at high elevation airports are (or should be) familiar with planning this type of flying. The “Six” can seat 6 (pilot + 5 passengers) in a 2-2-2 seating configuration. Although not a problem for airliners, flying at high altitude airports presents challenges for pilots of small piston aircraft.

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Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

About 90% of accidents could have been prevented by the pilot. Most can be avoided by diligent pre-flight preparations; by paying attention to what’s happening around us; by staying disciplined and flying within one’s margins; and by avoiding basic piloting mistakes through regular practice.

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Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 5, 2024

That said, you earned your Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating back in SoCal, as the local pilot’s fondly refer to that part of the country. Outside of the marine layer that incessantly taunts the coastal areas, back home your experiences with density altitude are minimal. Why would anyone want to do that?

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Density Altitude Ceiling Runway Weather 74

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

There’s been a lot of interest in my recent accident analysis “ Invisible Trap Kills Glider Pilot – How To Avoid Microbursts.” Cold downdrafts created by virga displace warmer air near the surface creating updrafts glider pilots can, and should, use to avoid landing in downburst conditions. Absolutely!

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Wind Shear Runway AGL Lift 52