FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What describes density altitude?

1. Pressure altitude adjusted for temperature

2. Altitude measured against local terrain elevations

3. Fixed height above mean sea level

4. Sea level corrected for humidity

The correct answer is: Pressure altitude adjusted for temperature

Density altitude is defined as pressure altitude adjusted for temperature. It takes into account not just the altitude itself but also the atmospheric conditions that affect the density of the air. As aircraft performance is influenced by air density, considering temperature adjustments is crucial for accurate calculations. When temperature rises, the air becomes less dense, meaning an aircraft may perform as if it were at a higher altitude than it actually is. Thus, pilots and dispatchers use density altitude to determine aircraft performance, fuel consumption, and takeoff distance. Other options may relate to altitude concepts but do not encapsulate the specific relationship of density altitude to pressure and temperature adjustments, which are key to understanding how altitude affects aircraft performance and safety.