Density altitude is defined as which of the following?

• A. The altitude above ground
• B. Indicated altitude corrected for humidity
• C. The pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature
• D. The true altitude above mean sea level

Answer: (C)

Density altitude describes the altitude in the standard atmosphere that would have the same air density as the air you’re currently in. It effectively equals pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature, which is why this option best matches the definition. When the air is hotter than standard, density decreases and the density altitude rises; cooler air lowers the density altitude. This concept matters for performance because higher density altitude reduces engine and aerodynamic performance. It’s not simply altitude above the ground, nor an indicator corrected for humidity, nor true altitude above mean sea level.