Chelsea's High Altitude Fail! Pilot Stories

[@navsnipe]

Chelsea, you are a wonderful story teller. You paint such a vivid picture with your words. Sounds like it was a great experience.

[@jimimmler9110]

Awesome story. The inconvenient turn back, the couch, the courtesy car, local food and early morning fly out. Been there. You are an awesome pilot.

[@thebearded_guardian3671]

Chelsea as in Aviation101's lady? This is awesome! I have been following Josh for years now. I think the first videos I can remember were the days when he was in a 150 - before 991 was ever on the channel. I find this story from Chelsea so awesome because she is honest and transparent, much Josh. I think we can all appreciate the honesty displayed here. Well done!

[@BumbleBee55R]

One of the most incredible people in aviation. I can not wait for her own channel to start having content.

[@rallwest]

She brings a smile to every expression, I can't help but smile watching and listening to her! I'm also so impressed to learn that she has become a mechanic in addition to a pilot. And i love how detailed she is!

[@kd5ptm]

I’m based out of Colorado Springs and I fly naturally aspirated. Density altitude is life out here and you grow to respect it really, really fast.

[@justflylow]

What a lovely young lady! She obviously is a very competent pilot and keeps safety in mind at all times! I would fly with her any time! Great story and a great lesson.

[@grahamjarman]

what is the lesson tho

[@justflylow]

@@grahamjarman don’t underestimate density altitude. It will affect your aircraft more than you think.

[@grahamjarman]

@@justflylow what do u do in that situation, wait for it to change ??

[@justflylow]

@@grahamjarman just what she did. Land and wait for morning when the temperatures are lower and the density altitude is lower. She had much better performance in the morning and didn’t use so much fuel trying to climb to altitude.

[@mp-xt2rg]

I think the point of the story is that she wasn't competent at the time and we're all much dumber than we think we are.

[@euge963]

Great story with great outcomes! I'm glad all the signage for density altitude was there. With the numbers crunched you were able to at least stay airborne and safely land back at the same airport unlike many other density altitude stories. Shoutout to taking off crew for the production value too, great lighting!

[@TeemarkConvair]

decisions!

[@CharlieFoxtrot00]

Density altitude is no joke! I had a similar experience in a Warrior flying out of Sheridan, WY a couple decades ago and it shook me as well. Thanks for telling your story, hopefully it will help spread the word and others will learn from it. It's an awesome feeling of accomplishment to make your first solo run over the mountains in a light GA airplane.

[@zeberdee1972]

I am used to density and altitude as I'm tall and thick 😅

[@m118lr]

Nothing will open your eyes..performance-wise, than the effect density altitude has on your AC. Great job Chelsea! Experience IS the best teacher..

[@Kyzyl_Tuva]

Chelsea you amaze me. You are a fantastic person and storyteller

[@bryanyoutubechannel]

I'm not a pilot but have had a lesson in a 150 when I was younger and flew with my father in a 172. I recently received my 107 certification for small UAS and my aviation interest is peaking again. I heard a lot about density altitude but didn't give it much consideration, until watching this testimonial. Thank you for sharing the experience and bringing awareness.

[@dsinha99]

Josh and Chelsea are the sweetest couple ever! God bless you guys.

[@KevinSmithAviation]

Excellent pilot story. Thank you Chelsea for sharing your experience with us. Hopefully your story will help others from making the density altitude mistake. Thank you Dan for bringing us these pilot stories. Keep up the excellent work as always, safe skies 🇺🇸🛩️

[@thorbo]

Amazing reminder about Density Altitude. I watch Josh's channel and now am subscribed to your channel. Thank you.

[@mackerel1875]

Thanks for sharing! You might have labelled it a "fail", but not succumbing to the old "get-there-itis" is a massive win, and says alot about your abilities. Always better to turn back, regroup and have another, "better" crack at it, much better than being the first one at the scene of an accident. Unforgiving little game, flying is. Again, thank you for posting this video up 👍

[@levensonaviatorslantanafl-2290]

Going back is an example of Great aeronautical decision making - thank you for sharing

[@1hornet1]

I like that you aren't afraid to share this story. Every time I mess up, I always talk about it too. Thankfully, I haven't repeated any of my epic dumb mistakes. I just make new ones...

[@williambutler2177]

All the training, videos, storytelling, and warnings, but it always seems that we are still surprised by our first encounter with density altitude, and it seems to usually involve a story we will never forget. I'm glad that yours (as well as mine) turned out fine with no lasting problems.

[@kerrylloyd4215]

Oh sweetheart I'm so glad you went back and landed. I think you're a survivor and you will be just fine in aviation because it comes from above. 🙏

[@georgewashington9058]

Loved the story, and super glad you made the right decision to land and try again the next day. FBO's are also so super awesome, they bend over backwards to help out, just as in your case.

[@GlideYNRG]

A valuable well learnt lesson. Better pilots have made worse decisions and are not sitting in that chair to pass on their errors. Awesome young aviator, I hope she goes far with her career.

[@danmcbride6258]

Very enjoyable video. Your descriptions and detail are really spot on. First video from your channel and I will watch more as they update. I am interested in your career path.

[@shopart1488]

Great story I had a similar experience many years ago. Very scary to say the least. You do such a good job on the videos I hope you start your own you have a great voice.

[@stevecastro22]

Great story Chels, you are a ROCK STAR and made all of the right decisions!!!

[@gilcortezdfw]

Love your vlog. You are amazing!❤

[@patrickirby9825]

So cool how she kept cool and handled it.

[@GaryVallancourt]

I love this story! I haven't flown in a while but getting back into it and when I get my new issue of Flying the first thing I always read is the "Aftermath", and the "I learned about flying from that", as it is so valuable to see what mistakes were made that led to an accident, and the other is stories like your video, so thanks for sharing that one. I know you need to be respectful of density altitude and performance, but hearing it firsthand it really hits home.

[@ghostflight73]

How cute are you. :-) Cheers and blue skies from Canada. Enjoyed your story.

[@angelooliveira8]

Thank forneaste your experience

[@flybobbie1449]

Visiting from UK, we only rented twin to fly this area, Grand Canyon, Monument valley, Sedona.

[@ecossearthur]

Great information as always! Great job!!!

[@iward940]

You had me at “radial engine overhaul.“ Blue skies!

[@betaepsilon]

Excellent video !!!! Would have liked to see you talk about the importance of leaning the mixture for maximum power before takeoff. The pilot that would benefit from your high DA experience is the same type of pilot that would need to have fuel leaning procedures cemented into memory.

[@NW.Modern]

Good for you! You are very well spoken and the way you tell the story is relatable and truly helpful. I'm glad you made the decision to take on the pass solo. Clearly you have the skill and knowhow. I think situations like this help us aviators to gain a healthy confidence (key word healthy) and allow us to feel more comfortable taking on each next level of challenge.

[@mikecarlozzi6930]

Interesting story, thanks for putting this together. I'll be traveling in a 172 from Dallas to Ruidosa this fall; density altitude will be something I'll deal with for the first time.

[@bobrewer202]

I respect your humility

[@marksmith7896]

Great advice !!!!

[@hillcrestannie]

Thanks for Sharing . Great story with a positive outcome.

[@FreedomFlight1]

Great job sharing this experience

[@Twizlair]

Glad you didn't push it Ms. Chelsea almost all my flight time is in the NM area planes don't like to fly there and density altitudes over 10,000 are common. its a whole new world for flat land pilots. I sure hope you got enjoy some of the sites along the the way.

[@DWBurns]

You have an incredibly charming, storytelling ability. It’s captivating. Aside from growing up around the movie industry in Southern California, I know nothing but you have a gift to do voiceover or something. Now what you managed to do was defeat the mountain, and eat the tamale.

[@jjkrmain]

Fueled up in St. Johns on the way back from Oshkosh to KDVT. Rotated and got about a foot off the runway at 2pm in July. Needless to say the Mooney hit back down hard. We finally lifted off at 300 fpm. Altitude density is no joke.

[@mikercflyer7383]

What a great adventure Chelsea I loved it. A great inspiring story for new pilots.

[@gtr1952]

Great story!! Great decision!! Congrats and thanks for sharing!! 8) --gary

[@josephsener420]

Great story, Chelsea!

[@ashokaliserilthamarakshan5079]

Great story telling

[@terryrutherford2114]

This is a great video about density altitude. It's for real. I flew a C172 with a 180 HP powerplant, tuned exhaust, and a constant speed prop. It was a power house, but one must always be vigilant about density altitude.

[@billtisdale6122]

Great trip for a C150. Most “low powered” aircraft follow I-40 “I Follow Roads”. Terrain across the Continental Divide is about 7300ft along I-40. Some deviations left and right rather than straight line. But it works. Western flying in summer, go early land by mid afternoon.

[@avflyguy]

Great story. Easy to follow along, because many of us flatlanders have likely had some reservations crossing the rockies. For about 10 years of my life I used an aircraft like anyone else would have a business car. All my clients were at or near airports. I had talked to all the locals and found , while a bit spooky, was traversing thru the Ruiodosa pass was far less stressful and going E to W, once you cleared the pass, low and behold there was the edge going back down. Felt I could almost glide to it. Finally got use making that trek many times, and can't recall if I ever got spooked or not.. 11,500 was about all I could ask out of an O-360 on hot density altitude day. First time thru is the test, then you get the lesson.

[@yvonnewalker3910]

Wonderful story. I just passed ground school, and am looking for any tips before flying. What I term myself is "safe weather pilot". Mountains and hills are not in my plans, but in case this even happens, I know there is a way out - safety first. Thank so much

[@feinpowertoolssaleswest6514]

I had a similar experience. A few years back a large group of friends from FATPNW planned a camping weekend on the dry lakebed at Alvord Desert. My route took me from Spokane WA south through Oregon to Burns to top off and fly over the mountain range to the east and land on the lakebed east and south of the pass. A late start to the morning put me and another pilot in Burns in the afternoon and it was hot, I was at full gross, and although the book said I could do it, it took forever to gain more than 100’. Thankfully we were able to make the trip and landing and camping on a dry lakebed was one of my best aviation experiences yet. Like you, I’ve never been more u comfortable in an airplane.

[@zagi2007]

Great story! I have been in a similar situation too!

[@Heathfx5]

my experience with just how wild DA can affect performance was in a turbo 210 taking off from flagstaff AZ. I'm used to the turbo spooling up in a few seconds, but it was 9000' DA and it took what felt like 15 seconds to get full power. chewing up 1000' of runway just to go from idle to full power was a little unnerving. I should have held the brakes and got the turbo spooled before I started rolling. On a shorter runway this could have gotten real exciting.

[@mike198383]

In denver area we live Density Altitude every day as well as leaning mixture just to taxi. I once took off on a 80F morning at KCFO doing my solo practice and got barely 250 FPM climb rate and that was quite scary flying a Cessna 172M 180hp.

[@chapgood13]

Scary story with a happy ending for Chelsea. Had to be a horrible feeling with little to no power. Good thing you are careful up there and made it back safely.

[@AlpineWarren]

Just a quick very important tidbit - Vy decreases with altitude - And meets Vx at service ceiling. It you don't lower Vy you'll never get anywhere near factory numbers. Wondering if you were slowing close to 62 kts for the climb?

[@tomleonard5277]

Oh that sounds so familiar! I bought my 170 in Clarksville, AR and planned a trip to central Cali. I planned the trip to keep minimum of 3000 ft under me all the way. One leg was supposed to be leaving Winslow at first light heading to Barstow, however extreme DA trapped me at Santa Rosa, NM an extra day. It was passing mid morning by the time I took off at Winslow and circled over the town, climbing 200 ft, sinking 150 ft, again, and again. I burned enough fuel climbing out that the gauges were telling me I was going to be pushing my personal limits by the time I got to Barstow. So I turned to Needles, got a half tank to keep it light, and waited until 45 minutes before sunset so it would cool down as much as possible and still make to Barstow as the sun was setting.

[@amywhite375]

So true. You have to experience DA to understand the true gravity of it. Wonderful story!

[@SV-Flying-Tigress]

Same pathway I took in my returning from Phoenix to Missouri, but that was in a Mooney F model... doing it in a 150.... ugh. Nice accomplishment. Growing up in AZ and NM, I thought no performance and not climbing is normal in a 150; my buddy had to turn back to Las Cruces trying to get to Silver City, NM in his 150.. it wouldn't climb... just wouldn't do it. Nice time builder, next plane consider a mooney F or J model if you are really into *efficient* long distance trave and don't want to do the experimental thing. My F model would do 147Kts @ 9.2 GPH and a J will do better on the same fuel burn.

[@craigs5212]

Been there done that. St Johns, AZ is no joke. I used to fly cross country to Florida from the SF bay area in my Tiger. It was a great stop, friendly, good fuel prices and on a direct route. One day I got a late start because of some maintenance issues and ended up at KSJN later than expected. It was hotter than expected, rechecked the numbers and like your experience the climb was abysmal even with 180hp. A bit of flaps, close watch on the air speed and attitude for the first 50 miles, as she clawed her way up to cooler conditions buring off some fuel. Normally the first day was three legs, SJN, KSNK and KMWL but with the late start I as glad to be on the ground at SKN for the night, flat land for the next day to FL.

[@markh7288]

Don’t feel bad discussing anything you are concerned with before you fly. It’s a good habit. Others are normally happy to share their experience with you. I remember taking my first international flight with some more experienced friends, we were in a very hot high airport with thunderstorms approaching. One of the experienced pilots asked for the tanks to be topped off, I was afraid to ask was it a good idea as I was thinking “density altitude” but was aware I was the greenhorn on this trip. As the saying goes I learned about flying from that! 1) Never be afraid to say something to a more experienced pilot, they will normally explain why they feel something might be safe or in this case that they had not considered the risk. 2) trying to climb at high density altitude is very scary! In the end, we dealt with the situation we found ourselves in, but none of us would ever let it happen again.

[@babyboomer9560]

Beautiful lady . Intelligent too. Which makes me scratch my head a little. In a little Cessna in the desert density altitude and winds are so important. Thought that would planned out. Had a Cessna 140 in Lancaster, Ca. Would fly up to Northern California almost every weekend. Lancaster is 2500msl. Even then with an 85 hp engines the cars would be passing me as i looked down . And I had to get to 7000ft to cross the Tehachapi Mountains! Feel very vulnerable. Sometimes the updrafts had me climbing at 1500fpm even with full power and nose pointed down. After crossing the ridge I was falling at 1500fpm with nose pointed up and full power. Exciting flying those small airplanes.

[@BrianGochnauer]

My 150K had a service ceiling was 12,500 (temp corrected; is often more than 1,000 less than that); not much room for mountain flying!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

No better way to learn something than "carrying the cat by its tail", so to speak. 😁 Excellent decision making always equals an excellent outcome.👍 Great story!!

[@bkembley]

I had a similar experience when I only had 60 hours. I flew from the Salt Lake area down to Phoenix in mid-June in a Piper Archer (180 hp). 3 people on board and full fuel. The morning segment from Salt Lake to Moab went pretty well. Moab to Page, AZ was just beautiful. But leaving Page to fly over the Grand Canyon at 3pm in the middle of the summer--I had the exact same uncomfortable feeling Chelsea described. The only reason my AGL was increasing is because the ground was dropping away into the Grand Canyon. It was about 100 FPM climb all the way through there and then once I did get to altitude, VA all the way because the thermals made it so bumpy--even at 10 or 11,500 (I don't remember now which). I'm glad I went on that trip because of what I learned but I am 100% with Chelsea--don't underestimate density altitude!

[@RaysDad]

Sounds like a fun day, and she learned some things.

[@If-I-Only-Had-a-Brain]

❤You are my new Hero❤

[@jsorbieus]

Out of curiosity, what pass from east of St. John’s? I’d like to make that trip and I’m interested in the particulars. Great story btw!

[@timmyers3428]

Great story, if you are in Louisville you should consider a short hop to Rough River, there will be a fly-in with a group of pilots from all over this weekend, most arriving Friday and leaving Sunday, I will not be there this year but it is a good group of guys and gals. I will not be there this year, Ping me if you want more information.

[@bwagenberg]

What advice did you get from Josh? Great storytelling.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Fantastic story! I spent almost 5 years flying out of an airport situated on a mesa at 5,507' in NW New Mexico. I flew and old C172B and flying after noon in the summer was generally not doable. DA is a BIG DEAL. I fly out of KPSX now and DA will get to 2,500' in the summer. At first I laughed at that but once you get used to taking off at sea level you notice the difference. When I flew into Leadville in a C182 years ago I don't think I realized how unlikely it would be for me to fly there in the summer. When I was in NM I checked Leadville (KLXV), during the summer months, and it was over 11,000' DA a lot. Of course base altitude is 9,934 so it doesn't have to heat up much to get DA at 11,000'. If you would've had another pilot with you they would add weight. Circling for an hour and comparing that to a buzzard cracked me up. You'll never forget that flight.

[@Erik-gg2vb]

I'm older than Chelsea and have had a longer career than she so I opted for the C-182P as my first plane just because of the issues with underpowered planes and density altitude. I live in Los Angeles basin.

[@jimkinser8884]

Excellent pilot decision.

[@simonwirth8335]

It's faszinating to see the difference to see what is considered "underpowerd" in the USA compaerd to around here in Switzerland. Not much flying around here without this considerations beeing a factor if you don't want to cross borders. Well told!

[@TheJonjonj]

Well handled and good job with decision making! I'm from Kingman so I know the struggle! A&P, Pilot, and good decision maker! Put a ring on it 😂😂

[@cptburris]

Maybe leaning the mix a little at that altitude could have helped, but you did the right thing!

[@yurimig253]

Yup gold is pretty dense... One has to actually try and lift it to appreciate how heavy it is... But so is air density one understands it much better when they experience and live to tell about it.. great story if you have any more we are all ears..😅

[@plmckanna]

Wow...

[@eltomas3634]

Plan your flight and fly your plan. Great story. What was the plan when those roadside tamales kicked in at cruise? Lol

[@thomasmixson7064]

When considering factors of a high altitude/high density altitude departure, topping tanks off and needlessly toting fuel not essential may not be the best idea

[@mikejuba9228]

Chelsea, it’s OK to lose, just don’t lose the lesson. Happy trails and tailwinds kiddo.

[@SmilerAndSadEyes]

Not being a pilot or understanding density altitude, did it change the day after? Is that why the flight the next day went so well?

[@TakingOff]

Temperature has a large effect on air density. So if you leave earlier when it’s cool, it will be lower density altitude.

[@SmilerAndSadEyes]

@@TakingOff Thank you!

[@haldial2459]

@@TakingOff If you manage to get airborne when it’s hot, do you have a realistic chance to increase lift by climbing up to cooler air or will density altitude stay pretty much the same as the cooler air becomes less dense at higher altitude?

[@M1A1cavalryman]

I did part of my flight training in Florida and part in Nevada. It is almost two entirely different skills

[@2ndborn186]

She is a certified aircraft mechanic, fly's and owns her own plane. And adorable. You marry a woman like this. Come on Josh... what are you waiting for?

[@curtwallis7083]

Chelsea, what route did you take to get your A&P license. I did aircraft structural maintenance in the Air Force for 10 out of 20 years in. I have had my PP certificate for over 2 1/2 years now. I am seriously interested in buying my own airplane to work on my IFR rating and Commercial certification. I should have gotten my A&P license while in the Air Force, but had other things going at the time. Was wondering what would be the best way now to obtain at least my A portion, then add the power plant at a later date. With my Air Force experience, I am allowed to take the written test, but have been out of the maintenance field for quite a while. Just not real sure on the best way to proceed.

[@N8844H]

Another pilot (with another pilot's baggage) would not have helped weight-wise. Timing is everything, and crack-o-dawn departures when density altitude is a factor is way better than any copilot.

[@AzTrailRider57]

Just think how worse the performance would have been with TWO people....... I'm VERY glad it all worked out.

[@jasonsauer9555]

Chelsea, I have a 16 yr old Daughter and she want to learn to fly. We do own a cessna 182 that she wants to learn in. Would you recommend her to learn in that big of an airplane and at what age would you tell her to start? Also she is thinking of going to A&P collage. She was wondering if that is a good idea to to that? I would really like your input and anyone else? I like your channel. Keep up the good job. Thanks, Jason

[@johnb7490]

Nice job young lady. You have a good head on your shoulders.

[@nosyfree]

She is good

[@y0manda]

If you had a co pilot or an addition to your flight crew (ferry permit reg) you would not have made it off the ground. Next time when you're concerned with density altitude, fuel up with enough gas + reserve to make it to a lower altitude airport.

[@mikeryan6277]

Flying in Florida DA is not an issue but flying out west is on my Bucket list .

[@tonysaunders9655]

all pilots should experience density altitude you dont need the altitude just be at mtow on a hot day make sure you have a long runway🤔

[@guzzilm3]

If you were my daughter, I would be mighty proud!

[@jimnite4919]

Respectfully wondering, we’re there any after affects from the tamales? And if so, good thing you didn’t have a Co-pilot!!!

[@EuroAviators]

Very interesting story, and well-made decision, thanks for sharing! 👏🏼Here in Switzerland, our highest airport at 5.600 ft in Samedan is restricted to pilots, who passed an online test and a familiarization flight. As the airport is locked in a valley, surrounded by high mountainous terrain, many former fatal accidents have led to this drastic decision. I'm not sure if such strict rules are really necessary, but it forces you to study on high-density altitudes, before coming in. One of our videos shows the procedure and approach into Samedan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqiVqICFfdmchs0 (German spoken with English subtitles)

[@flyingphobiahelp]

Yanks value their freedom to fly eschewing regulations and consequently killing themselves. Freedom to die 😂😂😂

[@fsodn]

Hey; I just found your channel via Instagram. Awesome! I love it; thanks for posting! I love that your fuel rule is the same as mine. One hour in the tanks when landing, no exceptions. I've been calculating fuel burn and I was seriously planning a fuel stop because I was seeing a predicted landing with 50 minutes on board. I've never taken off at 8000 density altitude. I did ferry my plane, a C-150 back from the north part of Denver about a year ago. My first takeoff in that plane was at about 10am; it was March and it was around freezing. A wild guess was that the density altitude was 4800? What I learned that day was that I didn't properly know how to lean for high altitude. I did my best. I didn't do a full-power check and lean. (I was full of fuel and basically at max gross weight.) So when I took off, I did accelerate Ok, I did climb Ok-ish, but as I was initially climbing out, I was tweaking the mixture, and as I moved it leaner I was gaining rpm and climb rate, so a minute after takeoff I'd properly leaned out and I had a decent climb rate. (I have a series of 5 videos on my channel about this flight, in case anyone's interested.)

[@randygreenwood1096]

What a beautiful woman!

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

Not getting out in that little bird at 8000 Density altitude.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 and having another person with the added weight 😅