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. As altitude increases, air molecules spread out, resulting in less power and lift.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Pilot 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. Can you fly a zero-thrust, single-engine approach to minimums today? That optimistic outlook doesn’t apply to pilots with rusty skills.

Density Altitude 53

Density Altitude Airplanes Pilot Wind Shear 53

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 61

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 61