Physics for Aviation
How is density altitude obtained?
Answer
By correcting pressure altitude for temperature
Density altitude is a calculated altitude obtained by correcting pressure altitude for temperature, and it is the altitude at which the air density equals the density considered standard for that altitude. It is not necessarily true altitude: on a day with higher-than-standard pressure and lower-than-standard temperature, the density standard for 10,000 feet may occur at a different actual height.
Source: FAA-H-8083-30B, Ch. 5 p. 5-34 — 'The Atmosphere — density altitude'
Not the answer
- By measuring the height of the aircraft above the terrain
- By setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the indication
- By correcting indicated altitude for magnetic variation
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