true altitude, density altitude

[flint007]

hi all!
this forum is new to me as is the entire private pilot arena. i'm presently studying ground school subjects and this whole arena of learning to be a private pilot after all these years, is very rewarding. i have a question about true altitude and density altitude. i know someone out there can help me and it is definitely appreciated. when i calculate density altitude, can i use that finding as my true altitude or does that require another calculation altogether? and if so, can someone provide that formula? Thanks to everyone.

 

[SiuDude]

True altitude is simply your actual altitude above sea level. You can calculate it by taking the indicated altitude (off of the altimeter) and adjusting it for non-standard temperature.
Your density altitude will be equal to the true altitude only when the pressure is 29.92. If it isn't, then you must apply the pressure altitude conversion factor to convert the true altitude to density altutude.

You wouldn't use the 2 altitudes together anyway. True altitude is used for clearing obstacles in-flight. Density altitude is used for calculating aircraft performance (usually before the flight).

 

[flint007]

Thank You very much SiuDude. Your answer clears up the altitude dilemma which was giving me some confusion.