Chapter One The Atmosphere

CHAPTER ONE

THE ATMOSPHERE

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

1.0

Upon completion of this chapter, the student will define density altitude, the factors

affecting it, and the effect density altitude has on aircraft performance.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

1.1

Recall the main gases of the air.

1.2

Recall the effect of pressure, temperature, and humidity on the density of the air.

1.3

Define pressure altitude.

1.4

Define density altitude.

1.4.1

Recall the effect of temperature and humidity on density altitude.

1.4.2

Compute the density altitude using a density altitude chart.

1.4.3

Compute the density altitude using the rule of thumb formula.

1.4.4

Recall the relationship between helicopter performance and density altitude.

THE ATMOSPHERE 1-1