This video, from the view of the cockpit, captures the density altitude-related crash of a general aviation aircraft:

https://youtu.be/OVM3RRd1vf0

Finally, read the Forbes Magazine article:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2017/06/20/the-science-of-why-its-too-hot-for-some-planes-to-fly-in-the-southwest-u-s/?sh=4828551f54ce

After reviewing the information on density altitude, you should understand the importance of air density on the ability of an aircraft to achieve flight and maneuver, and how high-density altitude flying conditions – which are typically present on an otherwise “perfect” weather day – are an “invisible” flight hazard that pilots must be aware of during flight planning.

Now, synthesize and apply the information you reviewed on the concept of density altitude to address the following:

1. Using terms that an average person could easily understand and by applying related concepts and terms, present a practical definition of density altitude.

2. Fill in the blank: If the value of density altitude is relatively high, the air density is relatively _______.

3. Of the four main forces acting on aircraft, name the ones that are reduced by high density altitude flying conditions.

4. Of the four main forces acting on aircraft, name the one that can be altered, in the process of proper flight planning, to reduce the impact of high density altitude flying conditions.

5. Explain why a combination of high, hot, and humid conditions creates high density altitude flying conditions. Your explanation should involve a discussion of how air temperature, pressure, humidity affect air density and thus the density altitude.

6. Apply your understanding of density altitude to answer the following scenario-based question:

A general aviation pilot in training is scheduled to do repeated touch and gos (landing and taking off again without coming to a full stop) in a Cessna 172 at Bob Adams Field in Steamboat Springs, Colorado (elevation 6882 feet) on a mid-afternoon in early August. Explain why the aircrafts ability to take off, land, and climb during the touch and gos will be negatively impacted. Include an image within your document that visualizes the explanation.

Submission Instructions

Formulate your answers within a document. DO NOT include the question statements.

Integrate information from the resources to develop and support your answers.

Each answer will be scored on the completeness, correctness, clarity, conciseness, and the degree of synthesis and application of the related concepts, not on how many words the answer contains. More is not necessarily better!