What is the pressure altitude of 5,000 feet with a temperature of +40C approximately equal to in density altitude?

The concept of density altitude is essential for pilots because it reflects how the actual air density at a given altitude compares to standard atmospheric conditions. In this scenario, we have a pressure altitude of 5,000 feet with a temperature significantly higher than standard temperature norms.

Standard temperature at sea level is 15°C, and the standard temperature decreases by about 2°C for every 1,000 feet of altitude. Therefore, at 5,000 feet, the standard temperature would be approximately 15°C - (2°C x 5) = 5°C. The actual temperature given is +40°C, which is well above the standard temperature at that altitude.

When temperatures are higher than standard, the air becomes less dense, which increases the density altitude above the indicated pressure altitude. To approximate the increase in density altitude due to heating, a common rule of thumb is that for every degree Celsius above standard temperature, density altitude increases by approximately 120 to 140 feet.

In this case, the temperature is 35°C warmer than standard at 5,000 feet (40°C actual - 5°C standard). Therefore, the increase in density altitude would be around 35 degrees x 120 feet = approximately 4,200 feet, making