Plane and Pilot

JUNE 15, 2025

Witness statements and recorded video showed that during the takeoff roll from the 5,500-foot-long asphalt runway, the airplane accelerated slower than normal, used more runway than normal, and lifted off the runway in a nose-high attitude. It climbed about 300 feet above ground level while flying a left traffic pattern back to the runway.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions

Plane and Pilot

JULY 10, 2025

Photo: Cayla McLeod Effects We learned in the private pilot course that increasing the density altitude reduces the effectiveness of the propeller, the lift produced by the wings, and the power output of the engine. Up in the flight levels, jets fly at relatively low indicated airspeed and still cruise at 7-8 miles per minute.

Density Altitude

Plane and Pilot

JUNE 2, 2025

Witness statements and recorded video showed that during the takeoff roll from the 5,500-foot-long asphalt runway, the airplane accelerated slower than normal, used more runway than normal, and lifted off the runway in a nose-high attitude. It climbed about 300 feet above ground level while flying a left traffic pattern back to the runway.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

So lifting off Van Sants, in eastern Pennsylvania, and just heading west is a great relief and flying is flying again. My true airspeed, 68% power, 6,500 feet, was 161 mph. It would lift during the day and lift into scattered stratocumulous. If I have to go to an alternate it’s a long, trying proposition.

Weather