National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

High density altitude accounts for 7.3% of all U.S. aviation weather-related accidents.


Density Altitude: The altitude in the standard atmosphere at which the air has the same density as the air at the point in question. An aircraft will have the same performance characteristics as it would have in standard atmosphere at this altitude.

High Density Altitude: A condition of the atmosphere that reduces an aircraft’s performance capability to below a level of standard performance at a specified altitude.

Cold, Dry Day
Low Density Altitude
Low Density Altitude
Hot, Humid Day
High Density Altitude
High Density Altitude

Air density is determined by Pressure, Temperature, and Humidity.

On a hot, muggy day, the air becomes "thinner" or less dense, and its density at a pilot's location is equivalent to a higher altitude in the standard atmosphere. Thus the term "high density altitude."

Pilots must determine if high density altitude will impact their flight by calculating density altitude and checking their aircraft performance charts.

High Density Altitude Hazards

  • Reduced Power (engine ingests less air to support combustion)
  • Reduced Thrust (propeller has less "grip" and jet exhausts less mass)
  • Reduced Lift (air exerts less upward force on the airfoils)
  • Longer takeoff roll is required
  • Smaller rate of climb
  • Lowers aircraft's service ceiling
  • Longer landing roll required

High Density Altitude and Heat

High
  • The higher the altitude, the thinner the air.
  • Mitigation: reduce aircraft gross weight for safer operations
  • Hot
  • The warmer the air, the less dense it is.
  • Mitigation: flight operations early morning or late afternoon are safer
  • Humid
  • Not considered a major factor because the effect of humidity is related to engine power rather than aerodynamic efficiency
  • Mitigation: add 10% to computer takeoff distance and anticipate reduced climb rate