June 10, 2009
Density altitude is something all pilots learn during flight training, but it’s likely not something you account for year-round. As the temperature creeps up during the summer months, don’t overlook density altitude’s effect on your aircraft’s performance. If not anticipated, its effects on a flight can be perplexing and detrimental; it can even cause accidents.
You may remember what your instructor told you: “Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature.” Simply put, density altitude is the altitude at which the aircraft feels it is flying. A high density altitude means that the air is less dense than normal, so your aircraft will perform as if you were flying at a higher altitude. On a hot, humid day, the aircraft will accelerate and climb more slowly and will need to move faster to attain the same amount of lift.
To minimize the risks of a high density altitude, fly in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler, and don’t fill the tanks to the brim. A good rule of thumb is to abort your takeoff if you do not have 80 percent of your takeoff speed halfway down the runway. Before flying to a high-elevation airport, know whether your aircraft climbs more efficiently with the first increment of flaps.
More tips for summer flying are available in AOPA’s revised subject report on Density Altitude and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s Summer Weather Safety Hot Spot.
As the cold weather chills AOPA’s Headquarters in Frederick, many of us are inside generating new resources for flying clubs.
In my house, every Friday night is “Movie Night.” While the movies are rarely educational (I don’t think I learned anything from the Lego Movie), we look forward to the weekly opportunity to spend time together. Why not use the same concept for your Flying Club (with the addition of education, of course)?
AOPA Flying Club Manager Kelby Ferwerda posted the following on the AOPA Flying Club Facebook Page: “Recently I’ve talked with quite a few Flying Clubs about maintaining social activity through the cold winter months. Some clubs host Holliday Parties, others have Potluck Movie Nights. What does your club do to keep members involved during the chilly months?”
VOLUNTEER AT AN AOPA FLY-IN NEAR YOU!
SHARE YOUR PASSION. VOLUNTEER AT AN AOPA FLY-IN. CLICK TO LEARN MORE >>>
VOLUNTEER LOCALLY AT AOPA FLY-IN! CLICK TO LEARN MORE >>>
BE A PART OF THE FLY-IN VOLUNTEER CREW! CLICK TO LEARN MORE >>>