Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

I knew we were right-side up, but…two seconds later, the runway appeared where it should have been, and my pulse slowed to triple digits. Flying to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture took us over high terrain, choosing our fuel stops with density altitude in mind. With this airplane, DA presented a caution, but never really a threat.

Knot 92

Knot Weather Density Altitude True Airspeed 92

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Not only must you fly unnervingly slow, but you also have to pick a spot on the runway and hit it. It’s a runway that is too short for a normal takeoff or landing but still usable with certain precautions. This allows them to safely operate into and out of these tight runways. You’re not alone.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

I knew we were right-side up, but…two seconds later, the runway appeared where it should have been, and my pulse slowed to triple digits. Flying to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture took us over high terrain, choosing our fuel stops with density altitude in mind. With this airplane, DA presented a caution, but never really a threat.

Knot 81

Knot Weather Density Altitude True Airspeed 81

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

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

Sometimes the wind socks at both ends of the runway point in opposite directions! 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.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Runway Lift 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. Next you look at NOTAM’s once again and notice that Runways 8R and 26L are closed. Multiply 1.5

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. That phenomenon is best named Failure to Achieve Sustained Flight (FASF).

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

These include a runway collision, porpoising, bouncing, or possible overrun. ATC can also ask for a go-around if the landing runway is unsafe or for spacing reasons. An approach is stabilized when: The aircraft is on the correct flight path, i.e., on runway centerline and glideslope. Airspeed is not less than 1.3Vso +10/-0.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Aeronautical Decision-Making Approach 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

I was listening intently to the ASOS for wind or gusts, letting it repeat 5 or 6 times with the exact same report: 9 kts straight down the runway; no gusts. That was the runway we would use to land. It’s worth noting that Shmulik had a close call in the past: a jet pulled onto the runway in front of him with no radio call.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52