International Standard Atmosphere (ISA)

What is the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA)?

The International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) is a static atmospheric model that describes the average pressure, temperature, density, and viscosity of the Earth's atmosphere at various altitudes.

Applications of the ISA

The ISA is used as a reference for aircraft performance calculations, air navigation, and meteorological forecasting. It provides a standardized set of atmospheric conditions that allows for consistent comparisons between different aircraft and flight conditions.

• Aircraft performance calculations: The ISA is used to determine the lift, drag, and other aerodynamic forces acting on an aircraft at different altitudes.
• Air navigation: The ISA is used to plan flight routes and estimate fuel consumption.
• Meteorological forecasting: The ISA is used as a reference for predicting weather conditions, such as temperature, wind speed, and precipitation.