Effects of warm weather on a light aircraft?

Does the warmer weather make it more difficult to gain altitude etc.? What effect does it have on the aircraft? Is it easier to fly in the colder weather?

YES, warm weather does make it difficult to climb an aeroplane. It is due to a higher DENSITY ALTITUDE. This is the altitude the aeroplane ‘thinks’ it is at. The warmer the air, the less it’s density, as has been mentioned, and so the aeroplane will perform as though it is flying at a higher altitude. This goes for all aircraft, although as your question suggests, it has a more noticable effect on light aircraft. As for flying in cold air, it is not neccessarily easier, but one will get better performance from the aircraft. This is the reason most heavy lift cargo airliners fly at night, ask any freight pilot about their hours of work:) Night time generally has a lower DENSITY ALTITUDE. There is a formula to work out the density altitude if you would like to know it…