The ramp temperature at an airport is typically ______________ higher than the ambient air temperature.

• A. 5 to 15 degrees
• B. 25 to 45 degrees
• C. 60 to 75 degrees
• D. 90 to 120 degrees

Answer: (B)

Surface heat from sun and the ramp’s own heat capacity push the tarmac to a higher temperature than the surrounding air. Asphalt and concrete readily absorb solar energy and store heat, while aircraft, brakes, and ground equipment add extra heat near the surface. The air just above the ramp can’t cool as quickly because it’s relatively stagnant, so the surface remains noticeably hotter. In typical conditions, this combination yields a ramp temperature about 25 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit higher than ambient air. Smaller differences would underestimate the heat stored in the surface, while larger gaps are less common except in extreme heat, so 25 to 45 degrees is the usual range.