What is Denisty Altitude?
This photo was taken from the AOPA, describing the effects of
density altitude on a plane taking off with a 50 foot obstical.
WHAT IS IT?
Density altitude is the
altitude corrected for
current atmospheric
conditions, in other
words, it is the altitude
at which the airplane
feels and performs as it
is flying, rather than the
actual altitude it is flying.
WHAT AFFECTS
IT?
The shifting of molecules
and moisture in each
condition throughout the
atmosphere have grave
effects on aircraft
performance. High
temperatures, low pressure
and high humidity results in
high density altitude.
WHAT CAN
YOU DO TO
STAY SAFE?
Calculate
If you are taking off in a
high-density altitude
scenario, it is important
to calculate things like
your takeoff distance and
climb performance
before you go fly
www.reallygreatsite.com
WORST CASE?
The Grand Canyon Airport
in midsummer is over 110
degrees Fahrenheit, with
heavy rain. This situation is a
perfect example of the
situation of high-density
altitude because, 1. The
airport is already at a high
altitude, 2. The
temperatures are high, and
3. The air has become
saturated.
+123 - 456 - 7890
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Reduction of lift, reduction of thrust, less engine
power. Less stability, aircraft control and limited
margin to safely takeoff or clear obstacles.
Stay Light
Choose to run the
plane short without
filling the fuel tank
full, and don’t fly
with more gear or
personnel than you
need
Fly Early
To be less affected
by high-density
altitude, fly in the
morning or evening
when the
temperature is
relatively low.
123 Everywhere St., Some City, ST 12345
References:
Ahrens, C. D., & Henson, R. (2018). Meteorology Today: An introduction to weather,
climate and the environment. Cengage Learning.
Density altitude: what it is, and how it affects your performance. (n.d.). Boldmethod
Flight Training. https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/performance/density-altitudewhat-it-is/
Density Altitude. (2022, March 15). Www.aopa.org. https://www.aopa.org/training-andsafety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/mountain-flying/density-altitude
Density Altitude | SKYbrary Aviation Safety. (n.d.). Skybrary.aero.
https://skybrary.aero/articles/densityaltitude#:~:text=As%20pressure%20increases%2C%20with%20temperature
Ian. (2019, July 30). How Does Density Altitude Affect Flight? Hartzell Propeller.
https://hartzellprop.com/how-does-density-altitude-affectflight/#:~:text=Because%20high%20density%20altitude%20has
Godlewski, M. (2023, May 17). Density altitude: Know your enemy. FLYING Magazine.
https://www.flyingmag.com/density-altitude-know-your-enemy/
Weather and Climate - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.).
https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/weather.htm