If an airplane is flying at 22,000 feet above sea level and the temperature is 25° cooler than at sea level, what is the temperature at 30,000 feet if the temperature at sea level is -4°?

Study for the FAA-H-8083-30B AMT General Handbook – Mathematics in Aviation Maintenance Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

To determine the temperature at 30,000 feet when given that the temperature at sea level is -4°, and it's 25° cooler at the flying altitude of 22,000 feet, you first need to identify the temperature at 22,000 feet.

Since the temperature is 25° cooler than the sea level temperature, calculate the temperature at 22,000 feet by subtracting 25° from -4°:

-4° (at sea level) - 25° = -29° at 22,000 feet.

Next, to find the temperature at 30,000 feet, you'll need to consider the general lapse rate in the troposphere, which is approximately 2° Celsius per 1,000 feet of altitude. From 22,000 feet to 30,000 feet, which is a 8,000-foot increase, you would multiply the altitude increase by the lapse rate:

8,000 feet * 2°/1,000 feet = 16°.

Now, since the temperature decreases as altitude increases, the temperature at 30,000 feet would be:

-29° (temperature at 22,000 feet) - 16° (temperature drop) = -45

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