The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

I recently moved to El Paso, TX. I am ferrying my Cessna 140 there soon and will be flying at high DA airports (2000-6000’) with the heat. My 140 has a C-85-12 and a recently overhauled stromburg carb with mixture control. Can anyone provide insights into how the aircraft performs at hot and high DA airports? Any tips/tricks? Just want to be sure I’ve got my bases covered. Being particularly cautious with the high DA.

Sí Señor,

You need to look at the performance charts in your aircraft’s owner’s manual (there’s a copy of the manual in the documents section on the main web site page) in order to determine performance of your aircraft, i.e. takeoff and landing distances, climb performance, and fuel consumption values based on temperature and altitude changes. You will find as I’m sure you know higher temps will raise density altitude which will decrease your aircraft’s performance. In warm/hot months your flying will be limited to earlier in the mornings when the air is cooler or very late in the afternoon, but mornings will no doubt be the best. Take a look at this article for leaning a Stromberg carburetor.
https://www.cessna120140.com/Forum2018/ ... php?id=177

Mike

Say light, fly when its cool. have patience. the plane climbs because of airspeed not power. pitching up won't help

Yep, I’m familiar with POH! Only has performance at up to 6000’ DA. Anyone have experience
/knowledge of performance flying at airports where the DA may be above 6000 due to heat?

Hi:
I used to fly my 140A with a MS carb (mixture control) out of a 8,000' airport, as mentioned above always let her run until she wants to fly (airspeed), seems forever don't pull early, do early mornings and be as light as practical. Also controls will feel with a lack of responsiveness due to the lower density air, nothing to worry about just to take into consideration specially if there is a crosswind.

Eduardo.
XB-NER

harejac wrote: ↑Fri Apr 11, 2025 3:15 pm Yep, I’m familiar with POH! Only has performance at up to 6000’ DA. Anyone have experience
/knowledge of performance flying at airports where the DA may be above 6000 due to heat?

As you stated, the owner’s manual only shows performance data figures up to 6,000 feet; however, as you can see from the data Cessna provided performance declines as altitude and higher temperatures are encountered. Probably the best advise is that if you use the figures that Cessna tested the aircraft to, you’ll know what to expect (assuming you use adequate and correct pilot skills plus your engine isn’t worn out). Here’s a tip that you asked for - Above 6,000 feet at higher temps you no doubt can operate, but bear in mind your decision making to proceed will be more critical than at a lower altitude and or lower temps. Remember, be safe, we want to see you at future Cessna 120/140 conventions.

Yeah, that. Set a decision point and don't cheat when you get there. I used to fly off of a very short runway with trees at the end. If I wasn't off the ground at the mid point I still had just enough time to stop...

I learned to fly at Colorado Springs and was taught to lean the mixture from day one.
When we did touch and gos we would not go to full rich but leave the control at about the same point of lean other wise it would loose power.
You should check your carb to see if the mixture is wired rich. I heard that it is common practice with Stromberg carbs.

Rick