UNIT 9
Performance
Density Altitude
- Altitude- our height in the atmosphere
- Density- the density of the atmosphere at any given day, time or location
• The higher the Density The higher the Pressure
A. Planes perform worse at less density
- The 3 H’s
A. These 3 things affect the density altitude
• High altitude
A. Pressure Altitude- the aircrafts altitude in a standardized atmosphere
a) International Standardized Atmosphere (ISA):
I. Barometric Pressure = 29.92 (1013.2 millibars)
i. Decreases 1 per 1000 ft
II. Temperature = 15° C (59° F)
i. Decreases 2° C per 1000 ft
III. Standard Lapse Rate = - 2° C/1000ft
ii. Formula to find temp at any altitude =
o 15°C – (2°C/1000 ft) x Altitude
B. Less performance, because of Less dense air, because of Higher Pressure
altitude
a) Cooler air means Easier takeoffs and Easier maneuvering
b) Hotter air means Harder takeoff and Harder Maneuvering
• Hot air temperature
A. Temperature of the air affect the Density of the air
a) Cooler Air = More Dense
b) Warmer Air = Less Dense
• High humidity
A. Humidity makes air Less dense
B. Humidity = Worse Performance
Density Altitude Chart
(PHAK Figure 11-22, pg 11-21)
1) Find The Altimeter Setting
2) Find corresponding Pressure altitude conversion factor on the right on altimeter setting
3) Subtract the Pressure altitude conversion factor number from the airport elevation, giving
you the pressure altitude
4) Find the Current Outside Air Temperature (OAT)
5) Line the temperature straight up to the pressure altitude which was found
6) Then take straight edge (such as a ruler) and go to the left to find approximate density
altitude
Calculations
(PHAK Figure 11-23, pg 11-22)
- Remember “Up, Over, and Follow the Slope”
1) Find the OAT
2) From the OAT come up to your pressure altitude
3) From that point draw a line over to the next chart
4) Draw a line following the slope of the black lines until you get to your indicated weight
5) Then move straight horizontally right until you reach the next chart
6) Draw a line following the indicated slope (Headwind/Tailwind) until you reach your
indicated wind
7) Then move straight horizontally right until you reach the next chart
8) Then Draw a horizontal line straight across to find the point in ft that your tires leave the
ground (ground roll)
9) Then depending on if there’s an obstacle you follow the slope and draw a line finding
your ground roll with that obstacle
(PHAK Figure 11-24, pg 11-22)
1) Find your weight
2) Then go over to the right and find your pressure altitude
3) Then work your way horizontally until you find your OAT (If your OAT doesn’t
perfectly line up either interpolate and round out the numbers or just go to the next
highest temperature)
4) You will get your ground roll and total ft to clear lined up with your pressure altitude
and OAT
5) To find Percent decrease of wind use this formula
• Headwind (HW) / 9 x 10%
• Then multiply your Headwind/Tailwind with the percent decrease
Crosswind Component
- What’s the Difference Between the Runway Heading and the Wind?
• Headwind- allow the aircraft to reach the lift-off speed at a lower groundspeed
• Crosswinds- require more control input to achieve a straight and centerline take-
off/landing