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Conditions that raise density altitude

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 7 of 25 on Weather / Effects on Performance. ACS element UA.III.B.K1a · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot plans a midday flight from a launch site at a high elevation on a hot, humid day when the atmospheric pressure is low. How will these conditions affect the small unmanned aircraft?

  1. ADensity altitude will be low and performance will increase
  2. BDensity altitude will be high and performance will decrease
  3. CThe high humidity will offset the heat, so performance stays normal
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Density altitude will be high and performance will decrease

  • A — incorrect Low density altitude results from lower elevations, high pressure, low temperature and low humidity, the opposite of the conditions described.
  • B — correct High elevation, high temperature, high humidity and low pressure are exactly the conditions the study guide lists as producing a high density altitude, which reduces performance.
  • C — incorrect Humidity does not offset heat; moist air is less dense than dry air, so humidity adds to the loss of performance rather than cancelling it.

BACKGROUND

Air density is affected by altitude, temperature and humidity. The study guide states that high density altitude results from high elevations, low atmospheric pressures, high temperatures, high humidity, or some combination of these. Lower elevations, high pressure, low temperatures and low humidity indicate a low density altitude. Because density altitude has a direct effect on performance, a remote pilot must expect degraded climb and payload capability whenever several of the adverse factors combine.

STUDY TIP

Think of the four adverse factors as "high, hot, humid and low pressure"; any of them alone raises density altitude, and together they compound.

KEY POINTS

  • High elevation, high temperature, high humidity and low pressure raise density altitude.
  • High density altitude means thin air and reduced aircraft performance.
  • The factors compound rather than cancel one another.

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.