(Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 8.) What is the effect of a temperature increase from 35 to 50°F on the density altitude if the pressure altitude remains at 3,000 feet MSL?
Official FAA figure (FAA-CT-8080 testing supplement). Open full size →A
1,000-foot increase.✓ Correct Answer
B
1,100-foot decrease.
C
1,300-foot increase.
Explanation
On Figure 8, follow the 3,000-foot pressure altitude line. At 35 degrees F it is at about 1,900 feet density altitude, and at 50 degrees F about 2,850-2,900 feet. The difference is roughly +960 feet, about a 1,000-foot increase, which matches the usual rule that density altitude rises about 65 feet per degree F. Warmer air always raises density altitude, so a decrease is impossible, and 1,300 feet overstates the chart's change.
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