What aspect of aircraft performance is negatively impacted by high temperatures?

High temperatures can significantly affect engine output and aerodynamic efficiency for several reasons. As temperature increases, the air density decreases, which leads to a reduction in the amount of oxygen available for combustion in the engine. This reduced oxygen availability directly impacts engine performance, resulting in lower power output.

Additionally, warm air is less dense than cold air, which can affect the lift generated by the wings. The aircraft's aerodynamic efficiency is reduced because it requires a higher true airspeed to produce the same lift. Consequently, the aircraft might require longer takeoff distances and may have a higher stall speed. Collectively, these factors can hinder overall aircraft performance in hot conditions, emphasizing the importance of considering temperature in performance calculations.

In contrast, while high temperatures can influence fuel burn rates and flight range to some extent, the more critical and immediate impacts on flight safety and aircraft operation stem from engine output and aerodynamic efficiency. Understanding these effects is crucial for safe flying, particularly in varying temperature conditions.