Adiabatic Lapse Rate The temperature the air drops per 1,000 feet of altitude - 4.5 degrees F.
Density Altitude The actual density of the ai,r at the place of observation, rather than from the ground. An increase in the temperature, and to a lesser degree, the humidity (because the water content will displace air) causes an increase in density altitude. The density altitude in hot and humid conditions, is significantly greater than the true altitude.
Minimum Requirements for Mountain Flying a basic course in Mountain Flying and minimum HP of the engine is 160 H. Add 60 HP for each additional occupant to the original 160 HP to insure adequate performance in the mountains.
Pass Clearance and Visibility 1,000 Ft and 15 miles
Winds Aloft - 25 knots or better may include turbulence at mountainous altitudes
Pressure systems Interpret the location of high pressure systems (clock-wise air circulation and low pressure systems (counter-clockwise air circulation) for wind aloft velocities in flight planning
Energy Released in Cloud Formation Ice formation in clouds. Each gram of water releases 540 calories when it changes state from liquid to ice. Thunderstorms build when heat is released from that formation.
Temperature Inversions Warm air on top of cold air causes the formation of fog when the temperature/dew point spread is zero.
Increasing Plane Performance Reduce your plane weight to 90% of maximum gross weight. This will your plane to return to near normal performance for rate of climb and ceiling.
Aspirated Engines Lose 3% of power per 1,000 feet gain in altitude. Think of a propeller as a vertical wing. The prop loses "pulling power" with altitude gain.
Turn Radius Anticipate the turning radius to increase with increases in altitude.
Routes Learn to follow rivers, roads, low valleys to reach your destination. Direct routes may involve very mountainous weather and performance limitations.
Radio Frequencies Weakness and location are safety checks.
Mixture Lean at altitude to prevent spark plug fouling.
Canyons Fly close to mountains to take advantage of updrafts for altitude gain.
Turbulence and Downdrafts Turn 90 degrees away from a ridge creating turbulence and fly away until it dissipates.
Weather Mountains move moist air quickly. Keep looking for changes. Safety first.
Oxygen Tanks full? Tanks for passengers.
Route Change Divert if conditions become dangerous.
Emergency Locator Beacon Working?
Crashes Stay with the plane.
