Rapid weather changes require increased attention when planning flights. Sometimes, meteorological details can slip out of focus. Last weekend, Switzerland experienced its first hot days of the year with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. This makes the topic of \u201cdensity altitude\u201d even more relevant. Please pay special attention to this aspect in your flight planning on hot days.<\/p>\n
By the way, hot temperatures not only have a significant impact on engine performance during takeoff or cruise flight, but also on the flight and control characteristics of an aircraft during landing.<\/p>\n
Higher landing speed<\/strong> Longer landing distance<\/strong> Reduced control effect<\/strong> You can find more information and tips in the articles from previous years:<\/p>\n Sommerzeit: Grosse Hitze, kleine Leistung und richtige Flugtaktik<\/a><\/p>\n
\nDue to the thinner air, the wings generate less lift at a given indicated airspeed (IAS). The TAS (true airspeed) for the same IAS is higher, which leads to more kinetic energy on touchdown \u2192 longer braking distance.<\/p>\n
\nThe higher approach speed and lower braking effect of the air mean that an aircraft needs more runway. This is particularly critical on short or high-altitude runways (e.g., in mountains).<\/p>\n
\nControl surfaces (rudder, elevator, ailerons) respond sluggishly because the air density is lower. Sensitive control during touchdown can be difficult.<\/p>\n