Professional Pilot

JULY 7, 2025

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). Conversely, lower density reduces drag, because the aircraft surface encounters fewer molecules.

Density Altitude

Plane and Pilot

MARCH 28, 2025

A more modern airfoil helps performance as well. Operators living at high density altitudes would benefit from using a finer pitch setting, while owners prioritizing cruise performance can go with a more coarse-pitch setup. This arrangement makes pitch changes very fast and accurate.

Density Altitude

Learn to Fly

JULY 11, 2024

This happens regardless of weight, bank angle, temperature, density altitude, or center of gravity. An angle of attack (AOA) indicator can determine the aerodynamic health of the airfoil (wing). An airplane will, however, always stall at the same angle of attack, called the critical angle of attack.

Airfoil

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. 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.

Airplanes