Chess In the Air

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Self-launch from high-altitude airports, not just from Boulder but also after a possible landout at another airport. The density altitude can be several thousand feet higher. In thermals the V3M is even easier and more stable than the V2 (which requires more rudder to remain coordinated).

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Cockpit Tail Runway 98

Air Facts

MAY 24, 2024

Even though this was late May, it was early enough in the day that the temperatures and density altitude hadn’t climbed to outrageous heights—yet. I didn’t get the thumb into the wind and I didn’t immediately get on the left rudder pedal to steer us back to the centerline. That was poor airmanship on my part.

Aileron 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Temperature An increase in temperature will increase the density altitude. A high density altitude decreases the performance of the engine and the wing. Your aircraft will fly at a faster true airspeed at higher density altitudes. These stick and rudder skills will help you with crosswind landings.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

iPad Pilot News

MARCH 27, 2025

Improve your stick and rudder skills as a private pilot go beyond the instrument checkride with these advanced courses. Spin-a-Wind This app makes it a breeze to calculate headwind/crosswind components, temperature conversions, pressure/density altitude and true airspeed computations, using a pilot-friendly interface.

Weather 91

Weather Pilot Flight Plan Airplanes 91

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

However, at 5:36:23 he still had an altitude of 7025 ft MSL, i.e. a normally very “safe” pattern altitude of almost 1500 ft, and prudently began to head toward the east end of the runway. 65 kts IAS given the high density altitude. 16 seconds later, at 5:36:39 the sink rate diminished to 273 fpm.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

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. An elegantly simple rope system inside the fuselage raises and lowers the Gweduck’s water rudder mounted inside the base of the main rudder (right).

Airplanes 80

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 80

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

I think that currently, the most improvable aspects of general aviation safety likely will include improving basic flying skills including rudder usage and stall and slow flight well beyond ACS standards. That variety may require multiple initiatives. Pilot psychology and human factors also need to be taught.

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98