Which statement is true regarding density altitude?

The statement indicating that low temperatures increase thrust is accurate in the context of density altitude and aircraft performance. In aviation, density altitude is a measure of how high an aircraft feels it is in terms of air density, and this is influenced by temperature, pressure, and humidity.

At lower temperatures, the air density increases, which means there are more air molecules available. This denser air allows for better engine performance, resulting in increased thrust from both piston and turbine engines. The improved air density enhances the efficiency with which engines can operate, leading to a potentially greater thrust output.

In contrast, when the temperature is higher, the air becomes less dense, leading to a decrease in available thrust. A higher density altitude indicates poorer performance characteristics for the aircraft because there’s less airflow over the wings and into the engines, which can lead to reduced lift and thrust.

Therefore, recognizing the relationship between temperature and air density is crucial for understanding how it affects aircraft performance is pivotal in operational planning and performance calculations for flight.