Density Altitude Descent Lift 
Flying Magazine
JUNE 10, 2025
degrees per second, and lifted off at a pitch attitude of 6.5 This one is for an unstable approach due to an excessive descent rate (1,232 ft/min). degree glideslope, high density altitude, and an approach speed of 150 knots, all of which put our nominal descent rate very close to the book maximum of 1,000 ft/min.
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. The airplane made a slow descent toward the east for about nine minutes, away from the destination airport.
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Plane and Pilot
JULY 18, 2025
He had just lifted off from Santa Fe Regional Airport (KSAF) in New Mexico into a beautiful July morning. So the density altitude was almost 9,000 feet. The bank meant level flight became a descent. Two minutes after being cleared for takeoff, a maintenance error from 24 years ago suddenly presented itself.
Fear of Landing
APRIL 19, 2024
At approximately 30-40 feet agl, the spinning stopped and the helicopter appeared to stabilize for a brief moment before continuing a nose-low, forward descent into the grass north of Runway 28. Feather the blades to generate lift from the upward flow of air during the descent (instead of pushing the air downwards in powered flight).
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 2, 2024
Your wings don’t create as much drag as they would at higher altitudes, which gives you extra lift. Key Takeaways Ground effect increases an aircraft’s lift and decreases drag. Lift increases due to the high-pressure area created by the compressed air beneath the wings.
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
Temperature An increase in temperature will increase the density altitude. A high density altitude decreases the performance of the engine and the wing. Your aircraft will fly at a faster true airspeed at higher density altitudes. Power controls the rate of descent, and pitch controls airspeed.
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. If the airplane is tied down outside, it’s important to get all of the ice and snow off the lifting and control surfaces.
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