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Originally Posted by XCR-700
Actually what I know about aircraft, that makes some sense. High heat and humidity impact engine power and when you are near you maximum weight limit it impacts takeoff.
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It has more to do with available lift than the performance of a reciprocating engine.
Humidity affects the way an airplane flies because of the change in pressure that accompanies changes in humidity. As the humidity goes up, the air pressure for a given volume of air goes down. This means the wings have fewer air molecules to affect as they are pushed through the airmass. Fewer molecules = less lift.
https://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae652.cfm