What is Density Altitude?












8












$begingroup$


I'm trying to get a deep understanding of the term: Density Altitude.



So I have read the explanations in my instruction book, and online articles.
One source explained it differently then the other which confused me.



Wikipedia defines Density Altitude as:




The density altitude is the altitude relative to standard atmospheric
conditions at which the air density would be equal to the indicated
air density at the place of observation. In other words, the density
altitude is the air density given as a height above mean sea level..".




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Density_altitude



So if I would believe Wikipedia then I could look at the ISA table to find the altitude by using the pressure.



Here is an ISA table:



enter image description here



Let's say I'm looking at "22.22 Hg", then the Altitude would be 8000 ft.
The Density Altitude is also 8000 ft. Is this true?



Skybrary defines Density Altitude as:




Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for temperature.




Link: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Density_Altitude



This explanation contradicts with the other explanation:




the air density would be equal to the indicated air density at the
place of observation




So my question is actually: What is Density Altitude?
And is The Density Altitude with a pressure of "22.22 Hg" in combination with -0.9 °C equal to 8000 ft?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Julian is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







$endgroup$












  • $begingroup$
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_gas_law
    $endgroup$
    – Sam
    9 hours ago
















8












$begingroup$


I'm trying to get a deep understanding of the term: Density Altitude.



So I have read the explanations in my instruction book, and online articles.
One source explained it differently then the other which confused me.



Wikipedia defines Density Altitude as:




The density altitude is the altitude relative to standard atmospheric
conditions at which the air density would be equal to the indicated
air density at the place of observation. In other words, the density
altitude is the air density given as a height above mean sea level..".




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Density_altitude



So if I would believe Wikipedia then I could look at the ISA table to find the altitude by using the pressure.



Here is an ISA table:



enter image description here



Let's say I'm looking at "22.22 Hg", then the Altitude would be 8000 ft.
The Density Altitude is also 8000 ft. Is this true?



Skybrary defines Density Altitude as:




Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for temperature.




Link: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Density_Altitude



This explanation contradicts with the other explanation:




the air density would be equal to the indicated air density at the
place of observation




So my question is actually: What is Density Altitude?
And is The Density Altitude with a pressure of "22.22 Hg" in combination with -0.9 °C equal to 8000 ft?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Julian is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







$endgroup$












  • $begingroup$
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_gas_law
    $endgroup$
    – Sam
    9 hours ago














8












8








8





$begingroup$


I'm trying to get a deep understanding of the term: Density Altitude.



So I have read the explanations in my instruction book, and online articles.
One source explained it differently then the other which confused me.



Wikipedia defines Density Altitude as:




The density altitude is the altitude relative to standard atmospheric
conditions at which the air density would be equal to the indicated
air density at the place of observation. In other words, the density
altitude is the air density given as a height above mean sea level..".




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Density_altitude



So if I would believe Wikipedia then I could look at the ISA table to find the altitude by using the pressure.



Here is an ISA table:



enter image description here



Let's say I'm looking at "22.22 Hg", then the Altitude would be 8000 ft.
The Density Altitude is also 8000 ft. Is this true?



Skybrary defines Density Altitude as:




Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for temperature.




Link: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Density_Altitude



This explanation contradicts with the other explanation:




the air density would be equal to the indicated air density at the
place of observation




So my question is actually: What is Density Altitude?
And is The Density Altitude with a pressure of "22.22 Hg" in combination with -0.9 °C equal to 8000 ft?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Julian is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







$endgroup$




I'm trying to get a deep understanding of the term: Density Altitude.



So I have read the explanations in my instruction book, and online articles.
One source explained it differently then the other which confused me.



Wikipedia defines Density Altitude as:




The density altitude is the altitude relative to standard atmospheric
conditions at which the air density would be equal to the indicated
air density at the place of observation. In other words, the density
altitude is the air density given as a height above mean sea level..".




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Density_altitude



So if I would believe Wikipedia then I could look at the ISA table to find the altitude by using the pressure.



Here is an ISA table:



enter image description here



Let's say I'm looking at "22.22 Hg", then the Altitude would be 8000 ft.
The Density Altitude is also 8000 ft. Is this true?



Skybrary defines Density Altitude as:




Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for temperature.




Link: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Density_Altitude



This explanation contradicts with the other explanation:




the air density would be equal to the indicated air density at the
place of observation




So my question is actually: What is Density Altitude?
And is The Density Altitude with a pressure of "22.22 Hg" in combination with -0.9 °C equal to 8000 ft?







aircraft-performance terminology






share|improve this question









New contributor




Julian is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question









New contributor




Julian is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 3 hours ago









Sean

4,50722459




4,50722459






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asked 19 hours ago









JulianJulian

1414




1414




New contributor




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New contributor





Julian is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






Julian is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












  • $begingroup$
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_gas_law
    $endgroup$
    – Sam
    9 hours ago


















  • $begingroup$
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_gas_law
    $endgroup$
    – Sam
    9 hours ago
















$begingroup$
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_gas_law
$endgroup$
– Sam
9 hours ago




$begingroup$
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_gas_law
$endgroup$
– Sam
9 hours ago










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes


















11












$begingroup$

Try this article



https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/weather/density-altitude



As a pilot, we like higher Pressure and Cold Temperatures - it makes the air denser so the engine can create more horsepower. High Pressure systems, where the barometer reads above 29.92, and cold air, where the temperature is below 59F (I'm in the US) mean the aircraft will get off the ground sooner and climb better. So - Winter! Ideal flying time from a performance perspective.



Summer, we may see the same increased barometer reading, but the higher temperature means the air is less dense (heat makes the air expand), so engine performance suffers. Even worse, if there is a Low Pressure system, combined with high temperatures, can make the airplane feel like it is taking off from a higher altitude.



So Density Altitude is the altitude that the airplane thinks it is - the barometer reading with temperature impact added to it.






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$









  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I never considered this could be a problem. Thanks for explaining it!
    $endgroup$
    – Pheric
    17 hours ago






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    It might be important that this relation only takes take off (and landing) into account. Once airborne and cruise a 'high' density altitude does improve performance by reducing drag. Flying is a huge pile of contradicting points and piloting is about navigating amidst them.
    $endgroup$
    – Raffzahn
    9 hours ago





















11












$begingroup$

The concept of 'density altitude' is kind of like the concept of 'wind chill'.



Stick with me here, I'm going somewhere with this.



Cold weather is dangerous for the human body, and wind (because of increased heat loss on human skin) makes it worse. But how much worse? Is it worse to be outside in -10C temperatures with a 20 knot wind, or -15C temperatures with a 12 knot wind? The concept of 'wind chill' resolves those two values into a single easy number.



Density altitude works the same way. It's difficult and tedious to compare and contrast how an airplane will perform on a 25C day with a pressure of 29.80 at an elevation of 600 MSL, versus a 20C day with a pressure of 30.17 at an elevation of 1250 MSL. We need a way to mash all of these variables into one easy-to-use number. That number is density altitude.



So just as I can say "The wind chill is -10C" and it doesn't matter whether it's warm but windy or cold and calm, I can say "The density altitude is 2,000" and everyone will have the same idea of the expected performance of the airplane, no matter what combination of factors led to that result.



Once you start thinking of (and using!) density altitude as a simplification tool, its value becomes a lot more obvious.






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$













  • $begingroup$
    Nice explanation. Perhaps it would be interesting to know how to compute the density altitude when ISA conditions are not met.
    $endgroup$
    – mins
    12 hours ago








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    The AOPA article covers that. Calculating Density Altitude Density altitude in feet = pressure altitude in feet + (120 x (OAT - ISA temperature)) AltimeterPressure altitude is determined by setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the altitude indicated on the altimeter. OAT stands for outside air temperature (in degrees Celsius). ISA stands for standard temperature (in degrees Celsius).
    $endgroup$
    – CrossRoads
    11 hours ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Every resource on density altitude provides a way to compute it when ISA conditions are not met. Almost none explain why it's valuable. I wrote this answer hoping to focus only on why density altitude exists as a concept.
    $endgroup$
    – Steve V.
    11 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @SteveV. I added a second question. Could you take a look?
    $endgroup$
    – Julian
    11 hours ago





















2












$begingroup$

Suppose you are at a given place, with a given temperature, and the barometer shows –for example– 25.84 inches of air pressure. That's precisely the pressure at 4000 ft. altitude within the 'standard atmosphere'. Hence, you may say that the 'density altitude' at that place where you are is exactly 4000 ft.






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$





















    1












    $begingroup$

    Density Altitude, in a nutshell, tells you how the plane is going to perform, in particular the climb performance for takeoffs or go-arounds.



    The performance tables in your POH are based on ISA, which for practical purposes no plane ever actually flies in. That means you have to calculate the density altitude for the current conditions and look at that line in the tables to find out what the actual performance will be.



    If the density altitude is very high (i.e. approaching your service ceiling), it's possible that your plane won't be able to clear obstacles/terrain or, in extreme cases, even get off the runway. This happens frequently to non-turbo pistons in mountains in the summer, and it is occasionally bad enough that even airliners can't take off from airports like PHX and LAS.



    Any time your planned flight will be High, Hot and Heavy (known as the three H's), you need to consider DA and check the performance tables to determine whether it will be safe. High terrain may mean a different route via mountain passes; Heavy load may mean ditching passengers/cargo or fuel, and Hot may mean waiting until night or early morning. If any of these aren't things you encounter regularly, e.g. because you live in a (relatively) cold and flat region, it would be wise to check with a CFI to refresh your knowledge and double-check your plans before you go.






    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$





















      0












      $begingroup$

      This is a classic video that explains it all:
      Density Altitude






      share|improve this answer








      New contributor




      Bob is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.






      $endgroup$













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        5 Answers
        5






        active

        oldest

        votes








        5 Answers
        5






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes









        11












        $begingroup$

        Try this article



        https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/weather/density-altitude



        As a pilot, we like higher Pressure and Cold Temperatures - it makes the air denser so the engine can create more horsepower. High Pressure systems, where the barometer reads above 29.92, and cold air, where the temperature is below 59F (I'm in the US) mean the aircraft will get off the ground sooner and climb better. So - Winter! Ideal flying time from a performance perspective.



        Summer, we may see the same increased barometer reading, but the higher temperature means the air is less dense (heat makes the air expand), so engine performance suffers. Even worse, if there is a Low Pressure system, combined with high temperatures, can make the airplane feel like it is taking off from a higher altitude.



        So Density Altitude is the altitude that the airplane thinks it is - the barometer reading with temperature impact added to it.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$









        • 1




          $begingroup$
          I never considered this could be a problem. Thanks for explaining it!
          $endgroup$
          – Pheric
          17 hours ago






        • 1




          $begingroup$
          It might be important that this relation only takes take off (and landing) into account. Once airborne and cruise a 'high' density altitude does improve performance by reducing drag. Flying is a huge pile of contradicting points and piloting is about navigating amidst them.
          $endgroup$
          – Raffzahn
          9 hours ago


















        11












        $begingroup$

        Try this article



        https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/weather/density-altitude



        As a pilot, we like higher Pressure and Cold Temperatures - it makes the air denser so the engine can create more horsepower. High Pressure systems, where the barometer reads above 29.92, and cold air, where the temperature is below 59F (I'm in the US) mean the aircraft will get off the ground sooner and climb better. So - Winter! Ideal flying time from a performance perspective.



        Summer, we may see the same increased barometer reading, but the higher temperature means the air is less dense (heat makes the air expand), so engine performance suffers. Even worse, if there is a Low Pressure system, combined with high temperatures, can make the airplane feel like it is taking off from a higher altitude.



        So Density Altitude is the altitude that the airplane thinks it is - the barometer reading with temperature impact added to it.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$









        • 1




          $begingroup$
          I never considered this could be a problem. Thanks for explaining it!
          $endgroup$
          – Pheric
          17 hours ago






        • 1




          $begingroup$
          It might be important that this relation only takes take off (and landing) into account. Once airborne and cruise a 'high' density altitude does improve performance by reducing drag. Flying is a huge pile of contradicting points and piloting is about navigating amidst them.
          $endgroup$
          – Raffzahn
          9 hours ago
















        11












        11








        11





        $begingroup$

        Try this article



        https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/weather/density-altitude



        As a pilot, we like higher Pressure and Cold Temperatures - it makes the air denser so the engine can create more horsepower. High Pressure systems, where the barometer reads above 29.92, and cold air, where the temperature is below 59F (I'm in the US) mean the aircraft will get off the ground sooner and climb better. So - Winter! Ideal flying time from a performance perspective.



        Summer, we may see the same increased barometer reading, but the higher temperature means the air is less dense (heat makes the air expand), so engine performance suffers. Even worse, if there is a Low Pressure system, combined with high temperatures, can make the airplane feel like it is taking off from a higher altitude.



        So Density Altitude is the altitude that the airplane thinks it is - the barometer reading with temperature impact added to it.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$



        Try this article



        https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/weather/density-altitude



        As a pilot, we like higher Pressure and Cold Temperatures - it makes the air denser so the engine can create more horsepower. High Pressure systems, where the barometer reads above 29.92, and cold air, where the temperature is below 59F (I'm in the US) mean the aircraft will get off the ground sooner and climb better. So - Winter! Ideal flying time from a performance perspective.



        Summer, we may see the same increased barometer reading, but the higher temperature means the air is less dense (heat makes the air expand), so engine performance suffers. Even worse, if there is a Low Pressure system, combined with high temperatures, can make the airplane feel like it is taking off from a higher altitude.



        So Density Altitude is the altitude that the airplane thinks it is - the barometer reading with temperature impact added to it.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 18 hours ago









        CrossRoadsCrossRoads

        4,3171718




        4,3171718








        • 1




          $begingroup$
          I never considered this could be a problem. Thanks for explaining it!
          $endgroup$
          – Pheric
          17 hours ago






        • 1




          $begingroup$
          It might be important that this relation only takes take off (and landing) into account. Once airborne and cruise a 'high' density altitude does improve performance by reducing drag. Flying is a huge pile of contradicting points and piloting is about navigating amidst them.
          $endgroup$
          – Raffzahn
          9 hours ago
















        • 1




          $begingroup$
          I never considered this could be a problem. Thanks for explaining it!
          $endgroup$
          – Pheric
          17 hours ago






        • 1




          $begingroup$
          It might be important that this relation only takes take off (and landing) into account. Once airborne and cruise a 'high' density altitude does improve performance by reducing drag. Flying is a huge pile of contradicting points and piloting is about navigating amidst them.
          $endgroup$
          – Raffzahn
          9 hours ago










        1




        1




        $begingroup$
        I never considered this could be a problem. Thanks for explaining it!
        $endgroup$
        – Pheric
        17 hours ago




        $begingroup$
        I never considered this could be a problem. Thanks for explaining it!
        $endgroup$
        – Pheric
        17 hours ago




        1




        1




        $begingroup$
        It might be important that this relation only takes take off (and landing) into account. Once airborne and cruise a 'high' density altitude does improve performance by reducing drag. Flying is a huge pile of contradicting points and piloting is about navigating amidst them.
        $endgroup$
        – Raffzahn
        9 hours ago






        $begingroup$
        It might be important that this relation only takes take off (and landing) into account. Once airborne and cruise a 'high' density altitude does improve performance by reducing drag. Flying is a huge pile of contradicting points and piloting is about navigating amidst them.
        $endgroup$
        – Raffzahn
        9 hours ago













        11












        $begingroup$

        The concept of 'density altitude' is kind of like the concept of 'wind chill'.



        Stick with me here, I'm going somewhere with this.



        Cold weather is dangerous for the human body, and wind (because of increased heat loss on human skin) makes it worse. But how much worse? Is it worse to be outside in -10C temperatures with a 20 knot wind, or -15C temperatures with a 12 knot wind? The concept of 'wind chill' resolves those two values into a single easy number.



        Density altitude works the same way. It's difficult and tedious to compare and contrast how an airplane will perform on a 25C day with a pressure of 29.80 at an elevation of 600 MSL, versus a 20C day with a pressure of 30.17 at an elevation of 1250 MSL. We need a way to mash all of these variables into one easy-to-use number. That number is density altitude.



        So just as I can say "The wind chill is -10C" and it doesn't matter whether it's warm but windy or cold and calm, I can say "The density altitude is 2,000" and everyone will have the same idea of the expected performance of the airplane, no matter what combination of factors led to that result.



        Once you start thinking of (and using!) density altitude as a simplification tool, its value becomes a lot more obvious.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$













        • $begingroup$
          Nice explanation. Perhaps it would be interesting to know how to compute the density altitude when ISA conditions are not met.
          $endgroup$
          – mins
          12 hours ago








        • 1




          $begingroup$
          The AOPA article covers that. Calculating Density Altitude Density altitude in feet = pressure altitude in feet + (120 x (OAT - ISA temperature)) AltimeterPressure altitude is determined by setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the altitude indicated on the altimeter. OAT stands for outside air temperature (in degrees Celsius). ISA stands for standard temperature (in degrees Celsius).
          $endgroup$
          – CrossRoads
          11 hours ago






        • 2




          $begingroup$
          Every resource on density altitude provides a way to compute it when ISA conditions are not met. Almost none explain why it's valuable. I wrote this answer hoping to focus only on why density altitude exists as a concept.
          $endgroup$
          – Steve V.
          11 hours ago










        • $begingroup$
          @SteveV. I added a second question. Could you take a look?
          $endgroup$
          – Julian
          11 hours ago


















        11












        $begingroup$

        The concept of 'density altitude' is kind of like the concept of 'wind chill'.



        Stick with me here, I'm going somewhere with this.



        Cold weather is dangerous for the human body, and wind (because of increased heat loss on human skin) makes it worse. But how much worse? Is it worse to be outside in -10C temperatures with a 20 knot wind, or -15C temperatures with a 12 knot wind? The concept of 'wind chill' resolves those two values into a single easy number.



        Density altitude works the same way. It's difficult and tedious to compare and contrast how an airplane will perform on a 25C day with a pressure of 29.80 at an elevation of 600 MSL, versus a 20C day with a pressure of 30.17 at an elevation of 1250 MSL. We need a way to mash all of these variables into one easy-to-use number. That number is density altitude.



        So just as I can say "The wind chill is -10C" and it doesn't matter whether it's warm but windy or cold and calm, I can say "The density altitude is 2,000" and everyone will have the same idea of the expected performance of the airplane, no matter what combination of factors led to that result.



        Once you start thinking of (and using!) density altitude as a simplification tool, its value becomes a lot more obvious.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$













        • $begingroup$
          Nice explanation. Perhaps it would be interesting to know how to compute the density altitude when ISA conditions are not met.
          $endgroup$
          – mins
          12 hours ago








        • 1




          $begingroup$
          The AOPA article covers that. Calculating Density Altitude Density altitude in feet = pressure altitude in feet + (120 x (OAT - ISA temperature)) AltimeterPressure altitude is determined by setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the altitude indicated on the altimeter. OAT stands for outside air temperature (in degrees Celsius). ISA stands for standard temperature (in degrees Celsius).
          $endgroup$
          – CrossRoads
          11 hours ago






        • 2




          $begingroup$
          Every resource on density altitude provides a way to compute it when ISA conditions are not met. Almost none explain why it's valuable. I wrote this answer hoping to focus only on why density altitude exists as a concept.
          $endgroup$
          – Steve V.
          11 hours ago










        • $begingroup$
          @SteveV. I added a second question. Could you take a look?
          $endgroup$
          – Julian
          11 hours ago
















        11












        11








        11





        $begingroup$

        The concept of 'density altitude' is kind of like the concept of 'wind chill'.



        Stick with me here, I'm going somewhere with this.



        Cold weather is dangerous for the human body, and wind (because of increased heat loss on human skin) makes it worse. But how much worse? Is it worse to be outside in -10C temperatures with a 20 knot wind, or -15C temperatures with a 12 knot wind? The concept of 'wind chill' resolves those two values into a single easy number.



        Density altitude works the same way. It's difficult and tedious to compare and contrast how an airplane will perform on a 25C day with a pressure of 29.80 at an elevation of 600 MSL, versus a 20C day with a pressure of 30.17 at an elevation of 1250 MSL. We need a way to mash all of these variables into one easy-to-use number. That number is density altitude.



        So just as I can say "The wind chill is -10C" and it doesn't matter whether it's warm but windy or cold and calm, I can say "The density altitude is 2,000" and everyone will have the same idea of the expected performance of the airplane, no matter what combination of factors led to that result.



        Once you start thinking of (and using!) density altitude as a simplification tool, its value becomes a lot more obvious.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$



        The concept of 'density altitude' is kind of like the concept of 'wind chill'.



        Stick with me here, I'm going somewhere with this.



        Cold weather is dangerous for the human body, and wind (because of increased heat loss on human skin) makes it worse. But how much worse? Is it worse to be outside in -10C temperatures with a 20 knot wind, or -15C temperatures with a 12 knot wind? The concept of 'wind chill' resolves those two values into a single easy number.



        Density altitude works the same way. It's difficult and tedious to compare and contrast how an airplane will perform on a 25C day with a pressure of 29.80 at an elevation of 600 MSL, versus a 20C day with a pressure of 30.17 at an elevation of 1250 MSL. We need a way to mash all of these variables into one easy-to-use number. That number is density altitude.



        So just as I can say "The wind chill is -10C" and it doesn't matter whether it's warm but windy or cold and calm, I can say "The density altitude is 2,000" and everyone will have the same idea of the expected performance of the airplane, no matter what combination of factors led to that result.



        Once you start thinking of (and using!) density altitude as a simplification tool, its value becomes a lot more obvious.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 12 hours ago









        Steve V.Steve V.

        14.6k566133




        14.6k566133












        • $begingroup$
          Nice explanation. Perhaps it would be interesting to know how to compute the density altitude when ISA conditions are not met.
          $endgroup$
          – mins
          12 hours ago








        • 1




          $begingroup$
          The AOPA article covers that. Calculating Density Altitude Density altitude in feet = pressure altitude in feet + (120 x (OAT - ISA temperature)) AltimeterPressure altitude is determined by setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the altitude indicated on the altimeter. OAT stands for outside air temperature (in degrees Celsius). ISA stands for standard temperature (in degrees Celsius).
          $endgroup$
          – CrossRoads
          11 hours ago






        • 2




          $begingroup$
          Every resource on density altitude provides a way to compute it when ISA conditions are not met. Almost none explain why it's valuable. I wrote this answer hoping to focus only on why density altitude exists as a concept.
          $endgroup$
          – Steve V.
          11 hours ago










        • $begingroup$
          @SteveV. I added a second question. Could you take a look?
          $endgroup$
          – Julian
          11 hours ago




















        • $begingroup$
          Nice explanation. Perhaps it would be interesting to know how to compute the density altitude when ISA conditions are not met.
          $endgroup$
          – mins
          12 hours ago








        • 1




          $begingroup$
          The AOPA article covers that. Calculating Density Altitude Density altitude in feet = pressure altitude in feet + (120 x (OAT - ISA temperature)) AltimeterPressure altitude is determined by setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the altitude indicated on the altimeter. OAT stands for outside air temperature (in degrees Celsius). ISA stands for standard temperature (in degrees Celsius).
          $endgroup$
          – CrossRoads
          11 hours ago






        • 2




          $begingroup$
          Every resource on density altitude provides a way to compute it when ISA conditions are not met. Almost none explain why it's valuable. I wrote this answer hoping to focus only on why density altitude exists as a concept.
          $endgroup$
          – Steve V.
          11 hours ago










        • $begingroup$
          @SteveV. I added a second question. Could you take a look?
          $endgroup$
          – Julian
          11 hours ago


















        $begingroup$
        Nice explanation. Perhaps it would be interesting to know how to compute the density altitude when ISA conditions are not met.
        $endgroup$
        – mins
        12 hours ago






        $begingroup$
        Nice explanation. Perhaps it would be interesting to know how to compute the density altitude when ISA conditions are not met.
        $endgroup$
        – mins
        12 hours ago






        1




        1




        $begingroup$
        The AOPA article covers that. Calculating Density Altitude Density altitude in feet = pressure altitude in feet + (120 x (OAT - ISA temperature)) AltimeterPressure altitude is determined by setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the altitude indicated on the altimeter. OAT stands for outside air temperature (in degrees Celsius). ISA stands for standard temperature (in degrees Celsius).
        $endgroup$
        – CrossRoads
        11 hours ago




        $begingroup$
        The AOPA article covers that. Calculating Density Altitude Density altitude in feet = pressure altitude in feet + (120 x (OAT - ISA temperature)) AltimeterPressure altitude is determined by setting the altimeter to 29.92 and reading the altitude indicated on the altimeter. OAT stands for outside air temperature (in degrees Celsius). ISA stands for standard temperature (in degrees Celsius).
        $endgroup$
        – CrossRoads
        11 hours ago




        2




        2




        $begingroup$
        Every resource on density altitude provides a way to compute it when ISA conditions are not met. Almost none explain why it's valuable. I wrote this answer hoping to focus only on why density altitude exists as a concept.
        $endgroup$
        – Steve V.
        11 hours ago




        $begingroup$
        Every resource on density altitude provides a way to compute it when ISA conditions are not met. Almost none explain why it's valuable. I wrote this answer hoping to focus only on why density altitude exists as a concept.
        $endgroup$
        – Steve V.
        11 hours ago












        $begingroup$
        @SteveV. I added a second question. Could you take a look?
        $endgroup$
        – Julian
        11 hours ago






        $begingroup$
        @SteveV. I added a second question. Could you take a look?
        $endgroup$
        – Julian
        11 hours ago













        2












        $begingroup$

        Suppose you are at a given place, with a given temperature, and the barometer shows –for example– 25.84 inches of air pressure. That's precisely the pressure at 4000 ft. altitude within the 'standard atmosphere'. Hence, you may say that the 'density altitude' at that place where you are is exactly 4000 ft.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$


















          2












          $begingroup$

          Suppose you are at a given place, with a given temperature, and the barometer shows –for example– 25.84 inches of air pressure. That's precisely the pressure at 4000 ft. altitude within the 'standard atmosphere'. Hence, you may say that the 'density altitude' at that place where you are is exactly 4000 ft.






          share|improve this answer









          $endgroup$
















            2












            2








            2





            $begingroup$

            Suppose you are at a given place, with a given temperature, and the barometer shows –for example– 25.84 inches of air pressure. That's precisely the pressure at 4000 ft. altitude within the 'standard atmosphere'. Hence, you may say that the 'density altitude' at that place where you are is exactly 4000 ft.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            Suppose you are at a given place, with a given temperature, and the barometer shows –for example– 25.84 inches of air pressure. That's precisely the pressure at 4000 ft. altitude within the 'standard atmosphere'. Hence, you may say that the 'density altitude' at that place where you are is exactly 4000 ft.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 17 hours ago









            xxavierxxavier

            5,78211546




            5,78211546























                1












                $begingroup$

                Density Altitude, in a nutshell, tells you how the plane is going to perform, in particular the climb performance for takeoffs or go-arounds.



                The performance tables in your POH are based on ISA, which for practical purposes no plane ever actually flies in. That means you have to calculate the density altitude for the current conditions and look at that line in the tables to find out what the actual performance will be.



                If the density altitude is very high (i.e. approaching your service ceiling), it's possible that your plane won't be able to clear obstacles/terrain or, in extreme cases, even get off the runway. This happens frequently to non-turbo pistons in mountains in the summer, and it is occasionally bad enough that even airliners can't take off from airports like PHX and LAS.



                Any time your planned flight will be High, Hot and Heavy (known as the three H's), you need to consider DA and check the performance tables to determine whether it will be safe. High terrain may mean a different route via mountain passes; Heavy load may mean ditching passengers/cargo or fuel, and Hot may mean waiting until night or early morning. If any of these aren't things you encounter regularly, e.g. because you live in a (relatively) cold and flat region, it would be wise to check with a CFI to refresh your knowledge and double-check your plans before you go.






                share|improve this answer









                $endgroup$


















                  1












                  $begingroup$

                  Density Altitude, in a nutshell, tells you how the plane is going to perform, in particular the climb performance for takeoffs or go-arounds.



                  The performance tables in your POH are based on ISA, which for practical purposes no plane ever actually flies in. That means you have to calculate the density altitude for the current conditions and look at that line in the tables to find out what the actual performance will be.



                  If the density altitude is very high (i.e. approaching your service ceiling), it's possible that your plane won't be able to clear obstacles/terrain or, in extreme cases, even get off the runway. This happens frequently to non-turbo pistons in mountains in the summer, and it is occasionally bad enough that even airliners can't take off from airports like PHX and LAS.



                  Any time your planned flight will be High, Hot and Heavy (known as the three H's), you need to consider DA and check the performance tables to determine whether it will be safe. High terrain may mean a different route via mountain passes; Heavy load may mean ditching passengers/cargo or fuel, and Hot may mean waiting until night or early morning. If any of these aren't things you encounter regularly, e.g. because you live in a (relatively) cold and flat region, it would be wise to check with a CFI to refresh your knowledge and double-check your plans before you go.






                  share|improve this answer









                  $endgroup$
















                    1












                    1








                    1





                    $begingroup$

                    Density Altitude, in a nutshell, tells you how the plane is going to perform, in particular the climb performance for takeoffs or go-arounds.



                    The performance tables in your POH are based on ISA, which for practical purposes no plane ever actually flies in. That means you have to calculate the density altitude for the current conditions and look at that line in the tables to find out what the actual performance will be.



                    If the density altitude is very high (i.e. approaching your service ceiling), it's possible that your plane won't be able to clear obstacles/terrain or, in extreme cases, even get off the runway. This happens frequently to non-turbo pistons in mountains in the summer, and it is occasionally bad enough that even airliners can't take off from airports like PHX and LAS.



                    Any time your planned flight will be High, Hot and Heavy (known as the three H's), you need to consider DA and check the performance tables to determine whether it will be safe. High terrain may mean a different route via mountain passes; Heavy load may mean ditching passengers/cargo or fuel, and Hot may mean waiting until night or early morning. If any of these aren't things you encounter regularly, e.g. because you live in a (relatively) cold and flat region, it would be wise to check with a CFI to refresh your knowledge and double-check your plans before you go.






                    share|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$



                    Density Altitude, in a nutshell, tells you how the plane is going to perform, in particular the climb performance for takeoffs or go-arounds.



                    The performance tables in your POH are based on ISA, which for practical purposes no plane ever actually flies in. That means you have to calculate the density altitude for the current conditions and look at that line in the tables to find out what the actual performance will be.



                    If the density altitude is very high (i.e. approaching your service ceiling), it's possible that your plane won't be able to clear obstacles/terrain or, in extreme cases, even get off the runway. This happens frequently to non-turbo pistons in mountains in the summer, and it is occasionally bad enough that even airliners can't take off from airports like PHX and LAS.



                    Any time your planned flight will be High, Hot and Heavy (known as the three H's), you need to consider DA and check the performance tables to determine whether it will be safe. High terrain may mean a different route via mountain passes; Heavy load may mean ditching passengers/cargo or fuel, and Hot may mean waiting until night or early morning. If any of these aren't things you encounter regularly, e.g. because you live in a (relatively) cold and flat region, it would be wise to check with a CFI to refresh your knowledge and double-check your plans before you go.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered 11 hours ago









                    StephenSStephenS

                    3,2401423




                    3,2401423























                        0












                        $begingroup$

                        This is a classic video that explains it all:
                        Density Altitude






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Bob is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.






                        $endgroup$


















                          0












                          $begingroup$

                          This is a classic video that explains it all:
                          Density Altitude






                          share|improve this answer








                          New contributor




                          Bob is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.






                          $endgroup$
















                            0












                            0








                            0





                            $begingroup$

                            This is a classic video that explains it all:
                            Density Altitude






                            share|improve this answer








                            New contributor




                            Bob is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                            $endgroup$



                            This is a classic video that explains it all:
                            Density Altitude







                            share|improve this answer








                            New contributor




                            Bob is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer






                            New contributor




                            Bob is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                            answered 34 mins ago









                            BobBob

                            1




                            1




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