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.

Density Altitude 86

Density Altitude OAT Altimeter Flight Computer 86

Thrust Flight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

In this article I’m going to teach you how to calculate density altitude. The earthbound among us have a very black-and-white view of altitude. It’s just how high the airplane is flying, right? There’s true altitude, indicated altitude, and absolute altitude!

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Absolute Altitude True Altitude Thrust 98

Northstar VFR

JULY 28, 2023

This is why when crossing flight level 180 (18,000 ft), all airplanes revert their altimeter settings to 29.92. This ensures everyone is reading the same altitudes. Density Altitude Density altitude is my personal favorite, and the reasoning is simple. It’s the altitude at which your airplane thinks it's at.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Altimeter True Altitude Weather 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 1, 2025

Key Takeaways Pilots use six altitude types: Indicated, True, Absolute, Pressure, Density, and Flight Levels. 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.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude True Altitude Airplanes Altimeter 52