Module Introduction

The lesson in this module introduces the learners to the different effects of Temperature
and Atmospheric Pressure variations as to the performance of the aircraft. As we have
noticed in our daily lives, temperature is not always constant, it varies every day.
Sometimes it's too hot that we crave cold drinks just to satisfy our thirst, and sometimes
it's too cold that hot coffee is our partner throughout the day. Nonetheless, the airplane
feels the same way. The lessons aim to deliver how one should be careful and
considerate on the variations of temperature as it directly contributes to changes in
atmospheric pressure which will in turn affects the performance of the aircraft.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the module, the learners will be able to:

1. explain how temperature affects the atmospheric pressure;

2. identify the different effects of temperature and atmospheric variations as to
the performance of the aircraft;
3. reflect on the importance of the variations of temperature and atmospheric
pressure even small, as it may compromise the safety of flight.
TEMPERATURE AND ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE
Temperature and gravity directly affect the atmospheric pressure.
Heating of the earth, which in turn heats the atmosphere, is responsible for the
motions and movements of the air in the atmosphere. The faster molecules move, the
hotter the air. As the molecules heat and move faster, they are moving apart. So, air,
like most other substances, expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Because
there is more space between the molecules, the air is less dense than the surrounding
matter and the hot air floats upward. This is the concept used in the hot air balloons.
The air is heated by the burner and the expanding air becomes less dense, causing the
balloon to rise through the denser, cooler surrounding air.
As altitude increases, pressure steadily decreases. For example, at 18,000 feet,
atmospheric pressure decreases to approximately one-half of sea level pressure. In
addition to changes in altitude, atmospheric pressure can be affected by changes in
temperature. For instance, assuming that all other variables remain constant, a
decrease in temperature will result in a lower atmospheric pressure. This occurs
because a cooler temperature slows the movement of the air molecules, thereby
lowering the pressure they exert on the surrounding atmosphere. On the other hand, a
warmer temperature increases atmospheric pressure, all else being equal.
To provide a common reference for temperature and pressure, the International
Standard Atmosphere (ISA) has been established. These standard conditions are the
basis for certain flight instruments and most airplane performance data. At sea level, the
standard atmosphere consists of a barometric pressure of 29.92 in. Hg. (1013.2
millibars) and a temperature of 15°C (59°F). Since both pressure and temperature
normally decrease with altitude, standard lapse rates can help you calculate the
temperatures and pressures you can anticipate at various altitudes. In the lower
atmosphere, the standard pressure lapse rate for each 1,000 feet of altitude is
approximately 1.00 in. Hg., and the standard temperature lapse rate is 2°C.

          
  On the other hand, gravity also greatly affects the atmospheric pressure. Recalling
back, we have this term called matter which means anything that occupies space and
has mass. As we all know, air molecules also occupy space and has mass, so they are
considered also as matter. Matter in such, is affected by gravity. As gravity hugs the
blanket of air to the Earth’s surface, what physicists call a density gradient is set up in
the air. The air near the ground is pulled on by gravity and compressed by the air higher
in the sky. This causes the air near the ground to be denser and at a greater pressure
than air at higher elevations.

A. TEMPERATURE

 is how hot or cold a thing is.

Performance of the airplane is always affected by temperature. Some changes are
very noticeable if the temperature is either;
1. Hotter than usual/standard,
2. Cooler than usual/standard.

Breaking down, these are the effects of such changes as to the performance of the
aircraft.
 
HOTTER TEMPERATURE THAN USUAL / STANDARD
ENGINE SUCKS LESS AIR
1.
PROPELLER IS PRODUCING LESS AMOUNT OF THRUST
2.
LONGER RUNWAY DISTANCE NEEDED FOR TAKE-OFF
3.
SLOWER CLIMB RATE
4.
SLOWER CRUISING SPEED
5.
FASTER DESCEND RATE
6.
LONGER RUNWAY DISTANCE NEEDED FOR LANDING
7.
 
 
COOLER TEMPERATURE THAN USUAL / STANDARD
 
1. ENGINE SUCKS AIR WITH MOISTURE
2. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE SPARKPLUG WILL BE WET,
RESULTING IN DIFFICULTY OF IGNITING THE FUEL / AIR
MIXTURE IN THE ENGINE.
3. POSSIBILITY OF PROPELLER ICING, IT WILL CHANGE THE
SHAPE OF THE PROPELLER RESULTING TO MORE DRAG
PRODUCED.
4. LONGER RUNWAY DISTNCE NEEDED FOR TAKE-OFF (BUT
NOT AS MUCH AS HOT TEMPERATURE)
5. SLOWER RATE OF CLIMB (BUT NOT AS MUCH AS HOT
TEMPERATURE)
6. SLOWER CRUSING SPEED (BUT NOT AS MUCH AS HOT
TEMPERATURE)
7. SHORTER RUNWAY NEEDED FOR LANDING
 a. UNLESS THE RUNWAY IS WET - IT WILL THEN NEED LONGER
RUNWAY DISTANCE NEEDED TO DO FULLSTOP AFTER
LANDING.

B. ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

 sometimes called barometric pressure, is the pressure within

the atmosphere of earth.
 
Knowing the aspects of atmospheric pressure earlier. Aircraft’s performance also is
affected of such flight levels;
 
1. Closer to the ground / sea level,
2. Higher altitudes.

 
CLOSER TO THE GROUND / SEA LEVEL
1. GREATER ENGINE PERFORMANCE
2. GREATER AIRSPEED
3. GREATER CLIMB RATE
4. SLOWER DESCEND RATE
HIGHER ALTITUDES
1. LESS AIRSPEED
2. LESS CLIMB RATE
3. LESS FUEL CONSUMPTION
a. (PERFECT COMBUSTION - SAME AMOUNT OF FUEL AND AIR)