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AI.X.B.R7FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management

Effects of environmental elements on airplane performance and controllability. (e.g., t...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of environmental elements on airplane performance and controllability. (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high density altitude).

Bottom line

High density altitude, produced by the combination of high temperature and high elevation, affects aircraft performance and is a hazard to takeoffs, climbs, and landings. A microburst encounter during takeoff can produce a performance-increasing headwind, then performance-decreasing downdrafts, then a rapidly increasing tailwind, which can result in terrain impact. If the airplane is disturbed by turbulence and the airspeed decreases, the airspeed may continue to decrease without pilot action to reduce the AOA or add power.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. PHAK ch. 12 (pp. 12-10–12-11) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AFH ch. 5, Slow Flight (p. 5-10) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. PHAK ch. 11 (p. 11-5) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  5. PHAK ch. 11 (p. 11-17) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. AFH ch. 5, Unusual Attitudes Versus Upsets; Environmental Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  7. PHAK ch. 11 (p. 11-19) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
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