Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

Flying in the clouds in a single engine airplane when the OAT is below freezing is not a good idea! Upon level off at 4,000, I was relieved to note the OAT gauge was showing +3 degrees C. A few minutes later, we heard the center controller clear a Trans Missouri Airlines commuter plane for the VOR Runway 30 approach to Jefferson City.

VOR 52

VOR Weather Approach Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2025

These include lift, propeller thrust, and engine combustion. This actually decreases the engine’s efficiency in converting engine power into thrust. Reduced thrust means decreased aircraft performance and fuel efficiency. Jet engines also experience reduced thrust in less dense air.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Pilot True Airspeed Lift 52

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

More air molecules in engine cylinders allow the engine to produce more power; more air molecules moving across the propellor blades and wings means more efficient thrust and lift. After 50 minutes, we were taxiing to the runway. Planning Pays Off Our takeoff from Santa Fe’s runway 02 went exactly as planned.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52