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. A lifting aid is required to mount and remove the tail dolly which is a bit of a nuisance. All motor gliders are heavy and the V3M is no exception.

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Cockpit Tail Runway 98

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The operator confirmed that the tail rotor had been installed the day before the accident. A mechanic had found a worn feathering bearing in the tail rotor hub and blade assembly. The tail rotor’s responses and vibrations are measured in order to adjust the weights of the rotor blades and/or the alignment of the rotor assembly.

Torque 98

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 98

Professional Pilot

JUNE 10, 2024

The company is named for the red-tailed hawk – a large bird of prey commonly found throughout the region. Operations With a field elevation of 4579 ft, and density altitude frequently reaching 9000 ft in the summer, Redtail Director of Operations Dan Wheeler keeps aircraft performance on everyone’s mind.

Pilot 45

Pilot Density Altitude Airplanes Tail 45

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

Once Shmulik was in the pattern the key thing that possibly could have helped him (besides a greater altitude) is a very high airspeed to get out of the sink and safeguard against the sudden tail wind. 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.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52

Air Facts

APRIL 21, 2025

However, the tail went that way, and the nose headed for the trees on the left and things got interesting quickly. I learned right there that a side slope acts like a crosswind, and the tail goes with the slope and the nose points to the hill. The tail could not go down when the stick was pulled back because the slope was so steep.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Tail Runway Crosswind 52

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

The combined effects of high density altitude, published gradients, and optical illusion of a down-sloping runway at night all indicate a higher probability of an unstable approach. The ceiling is 800 ft overcast. This is when a pilot has a knowledge of the rules but makes a conscious and deliberate decision to violate them.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 2, 2024

Show Low Airport sits at an altitude of 6,415 feet. I calculated the density altitude that day to be 8,800 feet. One airport witness, a helicopter mechanic, said there was oil “all over the airplane, wings, and tail.” It seemed to the friend he had “little or no training on leaning the engine.”

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Runway Density Altitude Pilot 52