Drone Pilot Practice Exam

By how many inches does air pressure drop for every 1000 feet increase in altitude?

1. 1 inch of Hg

2. 2 inches of Hg

3. 0.5 inches of Hg

4. 3 inches of Hg

The correct answer is: 1 inch of Hg

The correct information states that air pressure decreases by approximately 1 inch of mercury (Hg) for every 1,000 feet of altitude gained. This is based on the standard atmosphere model, which provides a consistent means of understanding how air pressure changes with elevation. As an aircraft ascends, the decrease in air pressure can impact various flight operations, such as engine performance and lift generation. Understanding this rate of decrease is crucial for pilots, as it influences aircraft systems that rely on air pressure for operation, such as altimeters and other instrumental readings. This consistent drop is used in multiple aspects of aviation, including flight planning and altitude correction procedures. Knowing that air pressure decreases by an inch per 1,000 feet helps pilots estimate their altitude based on changes in atmospheric pressure.