Density Altitude Knot Turbulence 
Flying Magazine
JUNE 18, 2025
Published time to climb to 20,000 feet is 18 minutes, and cruise speeds are advertised to be 205 knots at 15,000 feet. Most A36 owners we talk with plan on 165 knots and 1,000 fpm climbs when lightly loaded. Older models might sell for around $500,000 and later ones closer to $800,000. Autopilot yaw dampers aren’t necessary.
Plane and Pilot
JUNE 23, 2025
After a shallow turn from downwind, the Bonanza was positioned on base at a proper altitude and airspeed and with a constant descent rate. The wind at the surface was reported as 220 degrees at 6 knots gusting 19 knots. Forecasting models suggest a “hydraulic jump” could produce considerable turbulence. Where is the wind?
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Air Facts
JULY 9, 2025
Should I treat every VFR hop like I’m departing into low IMC with a 10,000-foot density altitude at max gross weight? Do I have to be within ±1 knot and ±10 feet on every approach? Maybe my attitude toward these flights is wrong. Do I need to spend hours on ForeFlight before every local flight? That’s not the point.
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.
Chess In the Air
JULY 4, 2022
Possible causes include: Rotor turbulence, e.g. on wave days. 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. This is another great point.
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 produced a strange traffic pattern with roller coasters at the corners.)
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).
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