Airplane performance charts

What factors directly affect the density of the atmosphere?

Pressure, temperature, and humidity.

How does the density of the atmosphere affect airplane performance?

Better performance with dense, cold air; worse performance with warm air.

What conditions lead to more dense air?

High pressure, low temperature, and low humidity.

What conditions lead to less dense air?

Low pressure, high temperature, and high humidity.

What is Density Altitude?

Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature.

Why is performance affected by Density Altitude?

Because density altitude refers to the effectiveness of the atmosphere affecting aircraft performance.

What is Pressure Altitude?

Indicated altitude corrected for non-standard pressure.

How can you ascertain pressure altitude with an altimeter?

Set the altimeter to 29.92 inches of mercury and read the pressure altitude.

What is the rate of temperature drop with altitude?

Temperature has a 2 degree Celsius drop per 1000 feet.

What are the limitations of performance tables?

Limited to specific conditions; certain variables cannot be interpolated.

Give an example of data that cannot be interpolated from performance tables.

The relationship of stall speed versus angle of bank is not direct; this data cannot be interpolated.