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). This is important because as density decreases an aircraft must increase speed to maintain desired lift.
Northstar VFR
JULY 6, 2025
For VFR pilots, visibility and cloud clearance are key. Why it matters: You need to confirm that the runway is long enough for takeoff and landing based on your aircraft’s performance, weight, and density altitude. Why it matters: Weather can dictate your go/no-go decision.
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Air Facts
JULY 9, 2025
I recently departed without calculating my takeoff distance or obstacle clearance. Should I treat every VFR hop like I’m departing into low IMC with a 10,000-foot density altitude at max gross weight? Over the last several months, I have committed several aviation sins. I once went on a flight without checking the weather.
Plane and Pilot
JULY 1, 2025
The calculated density altitude was 4,790 feet. Probable cause(s): The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after takeoff, during high density altitude weather conditions. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Institute
MARCH 26, 2025
Key Takeaways Air density affects aircraft performance, including lift, engine power, and propeller effectiveness. Factors influencing air density include altitude, temperature, pressure, and humidity. High-density altitude reduces aircraft performance, requiring flight adjustments. What Is Air Density?
AeroSavvy
AUGUST 20, 2021
I spent a few months researching aircraft performance and high altitude airport flying techniques. Density Altitude Piston engines, wings, and propellers lose efficiency as they climb to less dense air at higher altitudes. Pressure altitudes were converted to density altitude.
Flight Training Central
FEBRUARY 16, 2024
Departure procedures are designed primarily to provide obstacle clearance. Departure procedures are designed primarily to provide obstacle clearance and should be used when published. Provided nothing else has been specifically assigned, ODPs may be flown without an ATC clearance.
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