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

Possible causes include: Rotor turbulence, e.g. on wave days. 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. This is another great point.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 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. That produced a strange traffic pattern with roller coasters at the corners.)

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98

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