AGL Density Altitude True Altitude 
Northstar VFR
JULY 28, 2023
This ensures everyone is reading the same altitudes. Density Altitude Density altitude is my personal favorite, and the reasoning is simple. It’s the altitude at which your airplane thinks it's at. When checking your ATIS (or AWOS/ASOS), sometimes you’ll hear at the very end “Density Altitude feet”.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 1, 2025
Key Takeaways Pilots use six altitude types: Indicated, True, Absolute, Pressure, Density, and Flight Levels. Indicated altitude shows the altimeter reading, while true altitude refers to height above MSL. Absolute altitude measures height above ground, which is critical during approaches and landings.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
52 
Let's personalize your content