Which parameter is NOT required to calculate density altitude?

To determine density altitude, it is essential to understand the factors that influence air density. Density altitude is calculated using barometric pressure, air temperature, and dew point.

Barometric pressure provides a measure of the weight of the air column above a given point, while air temperature affects the density of the air; warmer air is less dense than cooler air. Dew point influences humidity, which can also affect air density, although it is less critical than the other two factors.

Wind speed, on the other hand, is not a factor in the calculation of density altitude. While wind can impact aircraft performance and operational considerations, it does not directly influence the calculation of how dense the air is at a specific altitude. Therefore, wind speed is not required in determining density altitude.

Understanding these variables helps in grasping how atmospheric conditions affect the performance of sUAS.