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Effect of ambient temperature on tire pressure

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 12 of 17 on Landing Gear Systems. ACS element AM.II.E.K10 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAn aircraft with correctly inflated tires departs where the ambient temperature is 100 °F and lands where it is 50 °F. What happens to tire pressure?

  1. AA decrease of about 10 percent
  2. BAn increase of about 10 percent
  3. CA decrease of about 4 percent
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. A decrease of about 10 percent

  • A — correct Tire pressure typically changes 1 percent for every 5 °F of temperature change, so a 50 °F drop produces roughly a 10 percent reduction in pressure.
  • B — incorrect The direction is wrong; a drop in ambient temperature lowers tire pressure and can leave the aircraft landing on underinflated tires.
  • C — incorrect The 4 percent figure is the variation between loaded and unloaded pressure readings, not the effect of a temperature change.

BACKGROUND

An aircraft tire must be inflated to the pressure in the aircraft manufacturer's maintenance data, not to a figure on the sidewall and not by appearance. Pressure is checked under load with the weight of the aircraft on the wheels, since readings taken on jacks or with the tire off the aircraft are lower and can differ by as much as 4 percent. Ambient temperature has a large effect: pressure typically changes 1 percent for every 5 °F of change, so an aircraft flown between very different climates can arrive with underinflated tires. An underinflated tire flexes beyond its design limits, builds excessive heat, and can be weakened without visible damage. When checking pressure, allow about 3 hours after a typical landing for the tire to cool to ambient temperature, and use a calibrated dial or digital gauge.

STUDY TIP

Practice the arithmetic both ways: divide the temperature change by 5 to get the percentage, and remember that colder air means lower pressure.

KEY POINTS

  • Tire pressure changes about 1 percent per 5 °F of ambient temperature change.
  • A 50 °F drop therefore costs roughly 10 percent of the pressure.
  • Check pressure under load with a calibrated gauge, after about 3 hours of cooling.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Tire Inspection on the Aircraft, Inflation"
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MORE ON LANDING GEAR SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.