Density Altitude Indicated Airspeed Turbulence 
Plane and Pilot
JUNE 23, 2025
While it wasn’t a particularly hot day, Big Bear’s density altitude was reported as 8,200 feet, resulting in a higher true airspeed compared to indicated airspeed. Increasing true airspeed makes the turn radius wider, resulting in an overshoot. And it’s all so much harder in turbulence. Fast or slow?
Air Facts
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
That produced a strange traffic pattern with roller coasters at the corners.)
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. 65 kts IAS given the high density altitude. 16 seconds later, at 5:36:39 the sink rate diminished to 273 fpm.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Let's personalize your content