What altitude term refers to the altitude corrected for non-standard temperature?

Prepare for the UND Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer is density altitude. This term is crucial in aviation as it represents the altitude at which the air density is equal to the standard atmosphere. It is calculated by correcting pressure altitude for non-standard temperature variations. Essentially, when the temperature deviates from the standard, air density changes, affecting aircraft performance.

When the air is warmer than standard, for example, the air density decreases, and thus density altitude increases, which can impact an aircraft's climb performance, engine efficiency, and overall handling. Understanding density altitude helps pilots make informed decisions regarding takeoff distances, climb rates, and other performance-related calculations.

Other terms like pressure altitude refer solely to atmospheric pressure without considering temperature effects, while true altitude is the actual height above sea level. Absolute altitude is the height above the terrain directly beneath the aircraft. None of these terms account for the effects of temperature variations on air density in the same way that density altitude does.

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