Plane and Pilot

JULY 1, 2025

A witness reported that they saw the airplane lift off from the runway and remain in ground effect until it crossed the departure end of the runway. The calculated density altitude was 4,790 feet. He had no further memory of the event.

Density Altitude

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

An incomplete summary description of FASF is whether the airplane made it out of ground effect. One more gadget in the cockpit cannot remedy deficits in skill, judgement, and attitude. That phenomenon is best named Failure to Achieve Sustained Flight (FASF).

General Aviation

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

However, at 5:36:23 he still had an altitude of 7025 ft MSL, i.e. a normally very “safe” pattern altitude of almost 1500 ft, and prudently began to head toward the east end of the runway. At this point his ground speed was 81 kts, which – in still air – would reflect a normal pattern speed of approx.

Pilot

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

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. Resist pulling back, instead letting it accelerate in ground effect (or should we say water effect) for a few seconds. So what would I fix?

Airplanes