Air Facts

MAY 24, 2024

We started up the engine, got the weather, asked the tower for our instrument flight plan, and began to taxi from the T-hangars on the east side of the field down the familiar route of “Hotel, Echo” to runway 18 right for a departure to the north with a turn to the east. No ceiling so no hold for us today!

Aileron 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

The airplane’s engine, propeller, and wings, which have struggled all summer against the ravages of high temperatures and density altitude, are now in their happy place. The combination of shorter days, preflight delays, and harsh winter weather can make the best-laid plans fall apart.

Ceiling 105

Ceiling Airplanes Weather Density Altitude 105

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

The airplane’s engine, propeller, and wings, which have struggled all summer against the ravages of high temperatures and density altitude, are now in their happy place. The combination of shorter days, preflight delays, and harsh winter weather can make the best-laid plans fall apart.

Ceiling 98

Ceiling Airplanes Weather Density Altitude 98

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

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. 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.

Density Altitude 60

Density Altitude Wind Shear Airplanes Pilot 60