Density altitude

Definitions

• This altitude is pressure altitude corrected for variations from standard temperature. When conditions are standard, pressure altitude and density altitude are the same. If the temperature is above standard, the density altitude is higher than pressu
• As defined in the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25, “pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature.” However, a more pertinent definition is that in the Airman’s Information Manual, which explains density altitude as being nothing more than a way to comparatively measure aircraft performance. See paragraph 7-5-6 of the AIM for a complete discussion.
• Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature variations.
• Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. Density altitude is used in computing the performance of an aircraft and its engines.
• Pressure altitude corrected for variations from standard temperature. When conditions are standard, pressure altitude and density altitude are the same. If the temperature is above standard, the density altitude is higher than pressure altitude. If the temperature is below standard, the density altitude is lower than pressure altitude. This is an important altitude because it is directly related to the PPC’s performance.

References

• Airplane Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
• Balloon Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2024
• Helicopter Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2019
• Instrument Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2014
• Powered Parachute Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2007
• Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2000
• Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008