When flying into higher temperature, the true altitude is relative to the altimeter: higher or lower?

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Multiple Choice

When flying into higher temperature, the true altitude is relative to the altimeter: higher or lower?

Explanation:
When temperature increases above the standard atmosphere, the pressure surfaces rise. The altimeter reads altitude based on pressure and assumes a standard lapse rate. If the air is warmer, the same pressure level occurs at a greater geometric height, so for a given indicated altitude you’re actually higher above mean sea level. In other words, true altitude is higher than the altimeter reading in hot air. This matters for obstacle clearance and procedure planning, especially in hot conditions.

When temperature increases above the standard atmosphere, the pressure surfaces rise. The altimeter reads altitude based on pressure and assumes a standard lapse rate. If the air is warmer, the same pressure level occurs at a greater geometric height, so for a given indicated altitude you’re actually higher above mean sea level. In other words, true altitude is higher than the altimeter reading in hot air. This matters for obstacle clearance and procedure planning, especially in hot conditions.

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