article thumbnail

How to Calculate Density Altitude (Without a Math Degree)

Pilot Institute

Calculating density altitude is like filing your taxes; annoying and often neglected until the last minute, but crucially important. Why is density altitude critical to ensuring safety, what factors affect it, and how is it calculated? Today is the day that the mystery of density altitude is solved.

article thumbnail

Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1953 Cessna 170B

Plane and Pilot

While most equate this to improved landing distances, the flaps are particularly effective at reducing the takeoff distance by creating more lift. Known for being smooth and nearly bulletproof, its only significant drawback is the lack of power, most noticeable when flying in higher density altitudes and at higher weights.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Air pressure and density

Professional Pilot

By Karsten Shein Comm-Inst Climate Scientist QNE, QNH, and QFE describe different altitudes for different phases of flight, but also serve as pressure altitude (QNE) or density altitude (QNH). Every pilot knows that aircraft fly because the forces of lift and thrust balance or exceed the weight and drag countering them.

article thumbnail

Pilot, Know Thyself: Discovering What It Means to Be Painfully Average

Flying Magazine

degrees per second, and lifted off at a pitch attitude of 6.5 degree glideslope, high density altitude, and an approach speed of 150 knots, all of which put our nominal descent rate very close to the book maximum of 1,000 ft/min. For example, last week I flew a Boeing 737-900ER from Salt Lake City to Tampa, Florida.

Pilot 110
article thumbnail

The Mystery Deepens Around Air India 171 Crash

Jetwhine

Ahmedabad sits nearly at sea level but density altitude that day would have been very high with aircraft performance reduced due to the high density altitude. CCTV footage obtained from the airport showed Ram Air Turbine (RAT) getting deployed during the initial climb immediately after lift-off.

article thumbnail

What Is Air Density? A Simple Guide for Pilots

Pilot Institute

Key Takeaways Air density affects aircraft performance, including lift, engine power, and propeller effectiveness. Factors influencing air density include altitude, temperature, pressure, and humidity. High-density altitude reduces aircraft performance, requiring flight adjustments.

article thumbnail

Accident Briefs—July 2025

Plane and Pilot

A witness reported that they saw the airplane lift off from the runway and remain in ground effect until it crossed the departure end of the runway. The calculated density altitude was 4,790 feet. He had no further memory of the event.