Which altitude measurement is adjusted for local weather conditions?

Density altitude is the altitude relative to the standard atmosphere at which a given air density occurs. It is a critical concept in aviation because it takes into account variations in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, which can affect the performance of an aircraft. When local weather conditions deviate from the standard atmosphere, the actual air density can change, impacting the aircraft's performance.

Density altitude is especially important for pilots as it helps them understand the actual operating environment they are flying in. For example, higher density altitudes can lead to longer takeoff distances, reduced climb rates, and require longer landing distances.

In contrast, indicated altitude is what the altimeter reads, which is directly related to the pressure setting, while pressure altitude is measured with reference to the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. True altitude is the actual height of an aircraft above sea level, regardless of local pressure changes or temperature.

Thus, density altitude's adjustment for local weather conditions makes it particularly significant for evaluating aircraft performance, providing essential information for safe flight operations.