ok, so calculating density altitude is say with the old E6B, but is there actual methods to then calculate your ground roll distance, and then the effect it will have on your rate of climb (I know we can pretty safely guess what the effect will be, but can we actually calculate a number to put on that)

I know with alot of wheels they can tell you the ground roll, but mine doesn't have that, hence why I'm asking. Mies a handme down Kane dead Reckoning computer MK-6B and seems to be different to everyone elses!

Get a copy of "The Mountain Flying Bible" by Sparky Imerson. He has formulas and simple rules of thumb for all that kind of stuff in there. And a whole lot of other good info too.

After finding the density altitude with the E6-B you can find the charts for takeoff roll in your POH, if one is available. More accurate is taking off with yourself and ten gallons fuel and work up from there. Remember the temperature rise during the day increases the density altitude. With this technique, you automatically add in all the variables: runway condition, obstructions, technique, wind, engine performance, etc.

As far as technique when very heavy and very high density altitude:
1. Always lean prior to takeoff.
2. The nose wheel creates lots of drag. Get it off as soon as possible.
3. The main wheels create lots of drag. Get them off as soon as possible.
4. Airplanes accelerate faster level than pitched up. Push over into low ground effect as soon as the mains come off.
5. The fastest speed possible (other things being equal) is in the lowest ground effect possible. Six inches is good.
6. Don't try to go over anything you can go around in low ground effect. Up to 15 degree turns are comfortable in ground effect. Keep wing level with aileron while making all turns with rudder.
7. Down drainage is not only a viable option, sometimes it is the only option.

Bear_Builder wrote:Get a copy of "The Mountain Flying Bible" by Sparky Imerson. He has formulas and simple rules of thumb for all that kind of stuff in there. And a whole lot of other good info too.

I have the book and it's really good. There's a lot of good information on his site mountainflying.com including the rules of thumb. http://www.mountainflying.com/Pages/mou ... thumb.html

that rules of thumb page was exactly what i was looking for! well done, thats fantastic!

Other mountain flying and instruction books here:

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/knowled ... onal-books