Plane and Pilot, August 1st, 2000
In summer, we watch the sky for those telltale signs of thunderstorms. We know that heat and haze will also affect our flight. These are obvious factors. Not so obvious, but even more insidious, is density altitude.
Density altitude has an inevitable effect on aircraft and engine performance. When you encounter high density altitude conditions, you'll experience increased takeoff distance, reduced rate of climb, increased true airspeed on approach and landing, and longer landing roll distance. A sub-par engine and turbulence will decrease aircraft performance even more.
Density altitude is a...
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