Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The helicopter turned left to return to the airport, travelling at about 85 knots. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing. The helicopter was at treetop height with an indicated airspeed of zero knots when the right yaw ceased. The pilot reported two miles out.

Torque 98

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 98

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

I spent a few months researching aircraft performance and high altitude airport flying techniques. Density Altitude Piston engines, wings, and propellers lose efficiency as they climb to less dense air at higher altitudes. Every 1000 feet we logged the time, altitude, and outside air temperature.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Flying to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture took us over high terrain, choosing our fuel stops with density altitude in mind. On one trip home, we had a 50-knot headwind, really annoying at a true airspeed of only 125. The AirCam was far and away the best airplane for giving rides, screaming along at 70 knots.

Knot 82

Knot Weather Density Altitude True Airspeed 82

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind. Temperature An increase in temperature will increase the density altitude.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Approach 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

In still air, the climb rate under full power is likely in the range of 3-5 kts given the high density altitude environment at Rifle. That does very little when you’re in 10-20 knot sink. If that happens, the propeller causes a lot of extra drag, comparable to half-extended airbrakes.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 5, 2024

Outside of the marine layer that incessantly taunts the coastal areas, back home your experiences with density altitude are minimal. The weather is VMC but it’s hot, and the density altitude is really creeping up there. In the time it took me to write all of this, the Density Altitude moved up to 8000’!

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Ceiling Runway Weather 98

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

Airspeed variations with weight in light general aviation aircraft are only a handful of knots, so it’s easy to fly the published slow speed when light, the faster speed when heavy, and something in the middle when the aircraft weight is something in the middle. No math required.

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

The aircraft was 44 knots higher than its target landing speed, which resulted in a runway overrun. Effects of atmospheric conditions on a go-around, such as winds and density altitude. You have to achieve and maintain Vx or Vy within +10/-5 knots. Many passengers were injured.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

This is consistent with Rick’s report, which referenced 9 knots of wind. 65 kts IAS given the high density altitude. Note that a 43 knot gust from a direction of 190 degrees was measured at 17:39, one minute after the accident (provided that the time stamp is accurate).

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

We routinely taxi at 1200 rpm due to the low spray…[we] can cruise at 10 knots” in displacement mode, something a Goose can’t do. Early on a speed restriction of 130 knots was applied as a flutter issue. This was resolved on the kit version and led to cruising at 50% power and 120 knots, which proved to be the Gweduck’s sweet spot.

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79