IF IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT. An adage used by lifeguards the world over. Density altitude can kill you in the same way the ocean can-unemotionally, impersonally, and quickly. If your gut is telling you something, listen to it. My suggestion? Fly into Sedona early in the morning. Get brunch at the airport restaurant, then walk over to the Skyranch Lodge. Spend a night or two in this lovely hotel where you may see desert hares and javelinas, enjoy a few hikes, visit an energy vortex, and take a Pink Jeep Tour. Watch the sunset from the hotel and then peace out the next morning as the sun rises. You'll get a treat as the colors change over the rocks and avoid the heat of the day. alicia.herron@aopa.org LEAN FOR TAKEOFF. Your engine will need to be leaned at high density altitudes to perform at its best. Look to your manufacturer or a trusted CFI for guidance. MORNINGS ARE YOUR FRIEND. Generally, early mornings are the coolest time of the day and also the time with the best weather. Fly in and out before the clock strikes 12. FLIGHT TRAINING JULY 2024 33