Flight Training Central

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

Among the performance elements are takeoff and landing distances, rate of climb, ceiling, speed, payload, and fuel economy. What effect does high density altitude have on aircraft performance? What is the effect of a temperature increase from 35 to 50 °F on the density altitude if the pressure altitude remains at 8,000 feet MSL?

Density Altitude 105

Density Altitude Knot Ground Effect True Airspeed 105

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. So, the airplane performs like it’s at 10,000 feet.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

And the finest example of a Cirrus SR22 is not going to want to lift a full load out of a backcountry strip on a warm afternoon with a density altitude reading five digits. We may be the best pilot ever born, but we can’t force a tired Skyhawk to climb above its genuine absolute ceiling, undefined by any performance chart.

Density Altitude 58

Density Altitude Airplanes Wind Shear Pilot 58

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

It was 87° F, a density altitude of 7300 feet and we ended up with four people, 120 gallons plus baggage, and we got off in 2400 feet with naturally aspirated engines. Burke backed that up by saying the Gweduck has “excellent single-engine characteristics.” An amphibious [Cessna] 206 there had to discharge all but the pilot to get off.”

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77