What is the definition of density altitude?

Density altitude is defined specifically as pressure altitude adjusted for temperature. This concept is crucial in aviation because it affects aircraft performance. As temperature rises or decreases, the air density changes, which in turn impacts how an aircraft takes off, climbs, and performs. For instance, on hotter days, the air becomes less dense, meaning that an aircraft requires a longer distance to take off and may have reduced climb performance. By correcting pressure altitude for temperature, density altitude provides pilots with a more accurate representation of their aircraft's performance capabilities under current atmospheric conditions. This is essential for safety and efficiency in flight operations.