In density altitude calculations, what does field elevation refer to?

• A. The elevation of the airfield above mean sea level
• B. The height of the aircraft cabin
• C. The distance from airfield to sea level
• D. The altitude of the pilot’s eye level

Answer: (A)

In density altitude calculations, the field elevation is the airfield’s height above mean sea level. This reference point matters because air density and pressure change with altitude, so knowing how high the field sits above sea level lets you correctly translate indicated altitude to a true atmospheric state at that location. It’s not the cabin height, the distance to sea level, or the pilot’s eye level.