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Definition of density altitude

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 6 of 25 on Weather / Effects on Performance. ACS element UA.III.B.K1a · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn the study of aircraft performance, density altitude is defined as

  1. Athe altitude in the standard atmosphere corresponding to a particular air density
  2. Bthe height above sea level corrected for nonstandard atmospheric pressure only
  3. Cthe indicated altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature and the reported humidity
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. the altitude in the standard atmosphere corresponding to a particular air density

  • A — correct The study guide defines density altitude as the altitude in the standard atmosphere that corresponds to a particular value of air density.
  • B — incorrect Density altitude accounts for air density, which depends on pressure, temperature and humidity, not on pressure alone.
  • C — incorrect Density altitude is tied to a value of air density in the standard atmosphere; it is not a correction applied to an indicated altitude.

BACKGROUND

Density altitude is the term the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) uses to correlate aerodynamic performance in a nonstandard atmosphere. It is the altitude in the standard atmosphere corresponding to a particular value of air density. When air density increases, density altitude is lower and aircraft performance improves; when air density decreases, density altitude is higher and performance falls off. Air density itself changes with altitude, temperature and humidity.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the definition word for word, then link it to the rule that high density altitude means thin air and reduced performance.

KEY POINTS

  • Density altitude is the standard-atmosphere altitude matching a given air density.
  • Lower air density means higher density altitude and poorer performance.
  • Altitude, temperature and humidity all change air density.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch3b "Density Altitude"
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MORE ON WEATHER / EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.