How is the density altitude determined if the airport elevation is 3,450 ft, OAT is 35°C, and the altimeter setting is 30.40" Hg?

How is the density altitude determined if the airport elevation is 3,450 ft, OAT is 35°C, and the altimeter setting is 30.40" Hg?

• A. 4,200 feet
• B. 5,100 feet
• C. 5,950 feet
• D. 6,500 feet

Answer: (C)

To determine density altitude, you start with the airport elevation, which in this case is 3,450 feet above sea level, and adjust it based on the current temperature and altimeter setting. Density altitude is a key concept in aviation as it directly affects aircraft performance. First, you need to establish the standard atmospheric conditions at the airport elevation. At sea level (standard), the temperature is typically 15°C, and it decreases by approximately 2°C for every 1,000 feet of elevation. So, at 3,450 feet, the standard temperature would be around 9.1°C (15°C - (2°C x 3.45)). Now, since the outside air temperature (OAT) is 35°C, it's significantly warmer than the standard temperature at that altitude. This higher temperature causes the air to be less dense compared to standard conditions, leading to a higher density altitude. Next, you must calculate the pressure altitude, which is derived from the altimeter setting. A standard sea-level pressure is 29.92 inHg. If the altimeter setting is 30.40 inHg, that means that the pressure is higher than standard, which typically results in a lower density altitude. To calculate

To determine density altitude, you start with the airport elevation, which in this case is 3,450 feet above sea level, and adjust it based on the current temperature and altimeter setting. Density altitude is a key concept in aviation as it directly affects aircraft performance.

First, you need to establish the standard atmospheric conditions at the airport elevation. At sea level (standard), the temperature is typically 15°C, and it decreases by approximately 2°C for every 1,000 feet of elevation. So, at 3,450 feet, the standard temperature would be around 9.1°C (15°C - (2°C x 3.45)).

Now, since the outside air temperature (OAT) is 35°C, it's significantly warmer than the standard temperature at that altitude. This higher temperature causes the air to be less dense compared to standard conditions, leading to a higher density altitude.

Next, you must calculate the pressure altitude, which is derived from the altimeter setting. A standard sea-level pressure is 29.92 inHg. If the altimeter setting is 30.40 inHg, that means that the pressure is higher than standard, which typically results in a lower density altitude. To calculate