Density Altitude General Aviation Lift 
Plane and Pilot
JULY 10, 2025
The Cardinal and I were fairly new to the area, but I respected its performance limitations and was careful to account for the elevation and temperature and the density altitude it would surely bring. So, what was a pilot new to the high and hot world of density altitude flying to do? More on that later. It all adds up.
AeroSavvy
AUGUST 20, 2021
I’m not Lindbergh… This trip was ambitious for me, but quite common in the general aviation community. I spent a few months researching aircraft performance and high altitude airport flying techniques. As altitude increases, air molecules spread out, resulting in less power and lift.
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Learn to Fly
JULY 11, 2024
Did you know that loss of control (LOC) is the number one root cause of fatalities in both general aviation (GA) and commercial aviation? This happens regardless of weight, bank angle, temperature, density altitude, or center of gravity. What can pilots do to prevent this?
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.
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.
Air Facts
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
The current emphasis in general aviation (GA) safety is on visual angle of attack (AOA) indicators and impossible turns (return to the airport following engine failure). The current emphasis in general aviation (GA) safety is on visual angle of attack (AOA) indicators. In maneuvering flight such as turns in the pattern.
Pilot Institute
JUNE 26, 2024
Yet, statistics show that go-arounds are among the riskiest maneuvers in general aviation. Reducing the flaps all at once will result in a large loss of lift, which can cause the aircraft to settle on the runway or stall. Effects of atmospheric conditions on a go-around, such as winds and density altitude.
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