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3 Answers

Does Density Altitude shows as a negative value?

Asked by: 9500 views Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Student Pilot, Weather

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3 Answers



  1. Wes Beard on Feb 22, 2016

    It can. Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. Lower than normal temperatures at a sea level pressure altitude can produce a density altitude below zero.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Feb 25, 2016

    Here, try this yourself. Call the AWOS (760-399-8054) for Jackie Cochran Field at Thermal, CA (ele -115 msl – that’s minus 115 msl) and tell us what you get for density altitude

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  3. Skyfox on Mar 07, 2016

    Yes, density altitude can be calculated as a negative value even when the airport is well above sea level. For example, a few days ago I called the AWOS at AZO. The report said:

    temperature: 0° C
    dew point: -1° C
    altimeter: 30.04
    density altitude: -800 ft.

    The airport’s actual altitude is 874 ft. above sea level. What a difference the weather makes!

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