Density Altitude Ground Effect Tail 
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 pilot applied right rudder in an attempt to correct this, resulting in a ground loop.
Chess In the Air
JUNE 24, 2022
There was no opportunity to recover and it hit the ground hard, thankfully just out of camera view. The Rifle ASOS recorded a gust of 43 mph from the south: a 100-degree shift in direction, putting it right on his tail. 65 kts IAS given the high density altitude. The reduced sink rate must have been a relief.
Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 3, 2024
True, a slightly higher aspect ratio wing was desired, which in turn required a larger vertical tail and thus a little extra mass, but the size, approximately 20% larger than a Widgeon, was set. Otherwise the traditional high-wing, twin-engine flying boat layout suggested itself on practical grounds.
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