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AerodynamicsQuestion 410 of 934

A pilot flies from a cool, dry day to a hot, humid day at the same airport. What happens to the density altitude and aircraft performance?

  1. Density altitude rises and performance increases
  2. Density altitude falls and performance increases
  3. Density altitude falls and performance decreases
  4. Density altitude rises and performance decreases
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Correct answer: Density altitude rises and performance decreases

Hot, humid air is less dense. A decrease in air density means a high density altitude and lower performance.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 4: Principles of Flight — Density Altitude, page 91

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026