CFII Practical Test Standards (PTS) Practice Test

Density altitude is the altitude that is determined by correcting pressure altitude for non-standard temperature. This concept is crucial in aviation as it affects aircraft performance, including climb rate, takeoff distance, and fuel efficiency.

When the temperature deviates from the standard atmosphere—which is 15°C at sea level—using density altitude helps pilots understand the true performance of their aircraft under specific atmospheric conditions. A higher-than-standard temperature decreases air density, thereby increasing density altitude. Conversely, a lower-than-standard temperature creates a situation of lower density altitude, improving performance.

Indicated altitude refers to the altitude read directly from the altimeter and has not been adjusted for temperature variations. True altitude is the actual height above sea level, while absolute altitude represents the height above the terrain directly beneath the aircraft. None of these terms take temperature deviations into account in their definitions. Thus, density altitude is the correct answer as it explicitly accounts for temperature variations affecting air density.