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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 512 of 934

The air is colder than standard. How does the true altitude compare with the altimeter indication?

  1. The true altitude is higher than the indication
  2. The true altitude is the same as the indication
  3. The true altitude equals the pressure altitude
  4. The true altitude is lower than the indication
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Correct answer: The true altitude is lower than the indication

Altimeter setting changes do not correct for nonstandard temperature. A colder-than-standard temperature places the aircraft lower than the altimeter indicates.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Altimeter — Effect of Nonstandard Pressure and Temperature, page 206

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026