Things to remember in very hot weather

"Mxsmanic" wrote in message
...
muff528 writes:

I doubt it would be uncomfortably hot at 3-4000 feet if it's 43° C on the
ground. Maybe you're flying too close to the ground.

The difference would only be a few degrees at 4000 feet, and that's not
enough
when the temperature at the surface is 43° C. Additionally, the
temperature
inside the aircraft would be higher at all times.

I was flying just yesterday and the temp was around 38° C nominal and easily
3-4° C hotter on the ramp. Once you get the big fan blowing in the front
and open the windows, it's certainly tolerable. We were flying locally at
about 4000 MSL and with the photo window open providing extra ventilation,
it was quite nice.

Right now at KTUS it's about 38° C on the ground, 25° C @ 6000 MSL, 17° C @
9000 MSL.

Even normally aspirated piston aircraft can generally get to 9000 MSL even
on hot days. Turbocharged aircraft can generally get to at least twice
that. Even above TUS today during the hottest part of the day if you're
above 12000 MSL you're probably going to be running the heater.

And yes, even on a 43° C it's a helluva lot more fun flying a real aircraft
than flying a computer in a climate controlled room.