SkyDrill

Standard sea level temperature

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 7 of 20 on Physics for Aviation. ACS element AM.I.J.K8 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder the U.S. Standard Atmosphere, what is the standard temperature at sea level?

  1. A0 °C (32 °F)
  2. B-55 °C (218 K)
  3. C15 °C (59 °F)
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 15 °C (59 °F)

  • A — incorrect 0 °C is the freezing point of water and the reference temperature used for measuring gas density, not the standard atmospheric temperature at sea level.
  • B — incorrect About -55 °C is the nearly constant temperature found above roughly 7 miles altitude, not the sea level standard.
  • C — correct The standard sea level conditions specify a temperature at zero altitude of 15 °C or 59 °F.

BACKGROUND

Because atmospheric conditions vary continuously, a set of standard conditions is needed as a reference point for comparing aircraft performance results. The set used in the United States is the U.S. Standard Atmosphere, which approximates average conditions at 40° latitude. Its sea level assumptions are a pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury, a temperature of 15 °C or 59 °F, and gravity of 32.174 fps/s. The U.S. Standard Atmosphere agrees with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standard Atmosphere over their common altitude range, and the ICAO standard has been adopted by most principal nations.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the sea level standard set as a trio: 29.92 in Hg, 15 °C/59 °F, 14.7 psi.

KEY POINTS

  • Standard sea level temperature is 15 °C (59 °F)
  • Standard sea level pressure is 29.92 in Hg (14.7 psi)
  • The U.S. and ICAO standard atmospheres agree over their common range

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch05 "Standard Atmosphere"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON PHYSICS FOR AVIATION

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.