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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-density-altitude-definition

What is density altitude?

Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature.

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  1. Height above the ground corrected for wind
  2. Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature ✔
  3. Indicated altitude corrected for instrument error

Why: Density altitude is the altitude the airplane feels, based on air density. Hot, high and humid days make it higher, so the engine, wing and prop all perform as if you were at a higher airport.

Huh, didn't know that: The PHAK example: at an 8,000 foot station, 80 F with a 75 F dew point gives a density altitude of 11,564 feet, almost 500 feet more than with no humidity.

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References

Answer: Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. Density altitude is the altitude the airplane feels, based on air density. Hot, high and humid days make it higher, so the engine, wing and prop all perform as if you were at a higher airport.

  1. PHAK ch 11, Aircraft Performance (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. PHAK ch 11, Aircraft Performance (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    High density altitude refers to thin air
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. PHAK ch 4, Principles of Flight (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/06_phak_ch4_0.pdf
    density altitude of 11,564 feet. With no humidity
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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