If I am flying toward an area that is warmer than normal, my altimeter will read:

• A. High
• B. Low
• C. Normal
• D. Variable

Answer: (B)

When flying toward an area that is warmer than normal, the altimeter will read low. This phenomenon occurs because altimeters are calibrated to standard atmospheric conditions, which assume a specific temperature and pressure at sea level. In warmer air, the actual pressure at a given altitude is lower than what the altimeter is set to expect.

As warm air is less dense than the standard atmosphere, it allows the aircraft to sit higher in the warmer air compared to how it would under standard temperatures. Consequently, if the pilot is using an altimeter set to standard conditions, it will indicate a lower altitude than the true altitude being flown in the warmer air. Therefore, it is crucial for pilots to adjust their altimeters based on local temperature and pressure variations to ensure accurate altitude readings.