Airplanes Altimeter Density Altitude 
Pilot Institute
APRIL 30, 2025
Calculating density altitude is like filing your taxes; annoying and often neglected until the last minute, but crucially important. Why is density altitude critical to ensuring safety, what factors affect it, and how is it calculated? Today is the day that the mystery of density altitude is solved.
Professional Pilot
JULY 7, 2025
By Karsten Shein Comm-Inst Climate Scientist QNE, QNH, and QFE describe different altitudes for different phases of flight, but also serve as pressure altitude (QNE) or density altitude (QNH). As a result, air density at 18,000 ft is roughly half of what it is at the surface, and only around 1/10 at FL500.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 1, 2025
You can also use it for unit conversions, estimating wind correction angles, and figuring out density altitude. Using the Air Density Windows and the Baseplate The disk also features cut-out windows designed for air density-related calculations. If youre in the aircraft, set the altimeter to 29.92 Thats not all.
Plane and Pilot
JULY 1, 2025
The pilot said he refueled the airplane the day before the accident and checked the fuel level during his preflight inspection the following morning. The postaccident examination of the airplane was compromised by the saltwater damage to the engine. The calculated density altitude was 4,790 feet.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 1, 2025
Indicated altitude shows the altimeter reading, while true altitude refers to height above MSL. Absolute altitude measures height above ground, which is critical during approaches and landings. Pressure and density altitudes impact performance, while flight levels separate at high altitudes.
Flight Training Central
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
Airplane performance can be defined as the capability of an airplane to operate effectively while serving a specific purpose. The result of an alteration in airflow patterns increasing induced drag about the wings of an airplane. What effect does high density altitude have on aircraft performance?
Northstar VFR
JULY 28, 2023
Before discussing the different types of altitude, let's discuss the one common thing every pilot uses in reference to altitude: The altimeter. An altimeter is standard in every aircraft, and its sole job is to inform the pilot of how high in the sky they are. This ensures everyone is reading the same altitudes.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Let's personalize your content