SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-high-density-altitude-conditions

Which set of conditions creates a high density altitude?

Hot, humid air at a high elevation makes the air thin and hurts performance.

  1. Hot, humid air at a high elevation ✔
  2. Cold, dry air at a low elevation
  3. Cool air with high barometric pressure

Why: Density altitude goes up when the air gets thinner. Heat, humidity, high elevation and low pressure all thin the air, so props and wings have less air to work with.

Huh, didn't know that: Water vapor is lighter than air, so moist air is lighter than dry air.

The dad joke
Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, but no atmosphere.
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Sources

  1. FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22), Ch. 3b https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesHow does high humidity affect density altitude and airplane performance?Flying & DronesOn a hot day at a high-elevation site, what happens to your drone's propeller efficiency?Flying & DronesWhich weather is typical of a moist, unstable air mass?

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