Atmosphere calculators

Air behaves differently depending on its pressure, temperature and density, and those three decide almost everything else an aircraft does. Pressure altitude converts a real altitude into the standard atmosphere so performance charts can be read. Density altitude then folds temperature in, which is what actually decides whether an aircraft will climb on a hot day. The other two tools here cover the standard temperature profile and a rough estimate of where cumulus cloud will form.

• Pressure altitude Convert field elevation and an altimeter setting into pressure altitude.
• Density altitude Field elevation, altimeter setting and temperature into density altitude.
• ISA temperature and deviation Standard temperature at an altitude, and how far today differs from it.
• Convective cloud base Rough estimate of cumulus cloud base from temperature and dew point.

Other categories

• Wind and airspeed Crosswind, wind triangles and true airspeed.
• Navigation Distance, heading, timing and decision points.
• Fuel Requirements, endurance, range and weight.
• Flight path and turns Climbs, descents, glides and turn geometry.