Performance vs. efficiency (at high altitudes)
Asked by: Blue Skies 13046 views General Aviation, Student Pilot
In general, I know that performance decreases with altitude. Performance is also decreased if we have a high density altitude.
However, isn't efficiency increased at higher altitudes?
It seems as if these two statements contradict themselves.
An aircraft is more efficient at high altitudes b/c it consumes less fuel. In addition, bad weather and turbulence may generally be avoided by flying above the storms.
However, the density of the air is also decreased at higher altitudes...and I would think this, as well as another of other factors, would cause a decrease in performance.
Thoughts?