Too hot to fly?

Aircraft also reach their performance limits in midsummer heat. What do pilots need to pay particular attention to now?

The aircraft performance depends on the air density. In the mountains in particular, the altitude meters have an additional effect on engine performance. In addition to the weather, flight path and weight & balance calculation, flight preparation also includes a take-off and landing distance calculation. The current air pressure and air temperature at the airfield should also be taken into account.

In its article Summertime = Hight-Density-Altitude-Time, Staysafe.aero points out how important it is to recognize the overall context and refers to the example of the Birrfeld weather station on how such a density-altitude calculation is made. https://www.wetterstation-birrfeld.ch

"When the runway gets shorter": This is the title of the "Safer Flying" booklet published by the Swiss Motor Flying Association.  MFVS Safer Flying

SHeV President Ruedi Boser has summarized how to get a Boxer engine running at high temperatures on the website of the Swiss Helicopter Association. https://swissheli.ch