What is absolute altitude in aviation?
Absolute altitude refers to the actual distance the aircraft is flying in relation to the ground and is expressed in “feet above ground level.” This type of altitude is generally determined using a radar altimeter, which measures how long it takes radar signals to reach the ground and reflect up to the plane.
How is flight level measured in aviation?
To understand a flight level, we should understand how altitude is measured in an altimeter, which is essentially a calibrated barometer - it measures air pressure, which decreases with increasing altitude. To display correct altitude, a pilot re-calibrates 1 the altimeter from time to time, according to local air pressure.
What is flight level or altitude confusion?
Flight level or altitude confusion occurs when a pilot is cleared to fly at a particular level and correctly acknowledges this clearance, yet levels at a different flight level or altitude. Flight level or altitude confusion is usually the result of the combination of two or more of the following factors:
How does a pilot determine the correct altitude of a plane?
To display correct altitude, a pilot re-calibrates 1 the altimeter from time to time, according to local air pressure. Flight levels solve this problem by defining altitudes based on a standard pressure of 1013.2 mb (29.92 inches Hg).
How do you read aviation altitudes?
Flight levels are usually designated in writing as FLxxx, where xxx is a two- or three-digit number indicating the pressure altitude in units of 100 feet (30 m). In radio communications, FL290 would be pronounced as "flight level two nine(r) zero."
How would you say the altitude 10000?
Controllers and pilots are frequently misunderstood due to their use of improper phraseology."We had understood and read back 'descending to 10,000. ... "To correct future problems like this, the altitude should be given in the form of 'ten thousand' or 'eleven thousand', instead of saying 'one-zero', or 'one-one-thousand.
What is altitude in aviation?
Definitions. Altitude. The vertical distance of an object measured from mean sea level. Flight Level (FL) A surface of constant atmosphere pressure which is related to a specific pressure datum, 1013.2hPa, and is separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals.
How do you express altitude?
Commonly expressed as "feet MSL" (feet above mean sea level), many of the airspace altitudes, terrain figures, airways, and obstacles you'll find on aeronautical charts are expressed in true altitude (MSL), feet above sea level.
How do you write 10500 feet to ATC?
Peter way to go, 100% all correct! The correct method of stating 4,500 feet MSL to ATC is. ... The correct method of stating 10,500 feet MSL to ATC is. ... While on final approach for landing, an alternating green and red light followed by a flashing red light is received from the control tower.More items...•
Why do pilots announce altitude?
Answer: It is normally part of the welcome aboard announcement as a matter of interest. We provide the time of the flight, the cruise altitude, landmarks of interest along way and the weather. Passengers generally like to know this level of detail according to what they have told me.
What is the abbreviation for altitude?
Abbreviation for Altitude:31ALTAltitude + 3 Aviation, Construction, Aircraft3A LT lt.Altitude Geography, Automotive Systems1A LT ltAltitude Geodesy1ALAltitude Physiology, Biology, Medical-1AAltitude downvoted Military2 more rows
What is another word for high-altitude?
What is another word for high-altitude?alpinehighelevatedhighlandhigh-reachinghillyloftymontanemountainrangy28 more rows
What is a flight level in aviation?
Flight level means a level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. For example, flight level 250 represents a barometric altimeter indication of 25,000 feet; flight level 255, an indication of 25,500 feet.
What is SQUAWKing in aviation?
SQUAWKing is the process of communicating between the air and the ground, the process is essential for keeping planes in the air safe and ensuring a smooth and manageable air traffic control process, both for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Why is it called QNH?
What is QNH, QFE and QNE? The term of Q codes were set of 3 letters begging with a Q to make a clear method of communication. The Q letter basically signifies a question. Generally, QNH is Q nautical height which means indicating altitude at the height above sea level.
What does QNH mean in aviation?
Height Above Sea LevelQNH (“Height Above Sea Level”) - QNH is a pressure setting you dial into your altimeter to produce the height above sea level. It reads runway elevation when you are on the runway and is based on an altimeter setting adjusted until the station's correct elevation above sea level is read.
How many feet is an altimeter?
Procedures for setting altimeters during high and low barometric pressure events must be set using the following procedures: Below 18,000 feet mean sea level (MSL)....Section 2. Barometric Altimeter Errors and Setting Procedures.Altimeter FactorCorrection Factor28.41 to 27.922000 feet27.91 to 27.422500 feet4 more rows
How do I know my altitude for canning?
Home Canning Altitude Adjustments for Boiling-Water Canners At 3,001–6,000 feet above sea level, increase processing time by 10 minutes. At 6,001–8,000 feet above sea level, increase processing time by 15 minutes. At 8,001–10,000 feet above sea level, increase processing time by 20 minutes.
Does an altimeter measure?
An altimeter is a device that measures altitude—a location's distance above sea level. Most altimeters are barometric, meaning they measure altitude by calculating the location's air pressure.
How much does air pressure change with altitude?
Air pressure, also known as barometric pressure, decreases as altitude increases. Within the lower atmosphere, air pressure drops by about 50% after every 5,000 meters in elevation.
Captain Final Approach
Well it finally happened. After 18 years of flying I finally heard a pilot say what we all think. Here is the transcription I heard on tower last Saturday at PBI.
saracelica Pattern Altitude
My instructor and I say it off the air all the time. Never had the guts to push the button and say it.
catmandu Pattern Altitude PoA Supporter
Every time I am tempted, I think of the follow up: "Cessna 1234, say cancel IFR" and that kills the temptation.
SixPapaCharlie May the force be with you
We have military aircraft training in our area at times. I have never had the guts but always wanted to throw out...
Why is density important for aircraft?
Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature conditions, which include pressure, humidity, and temperature that’s outside the norm. Density altitude decreases in colder weather when the air is more dense, helping to give the aircraft’s wings more lift and enabling the engine to generate more power. In warmer weather or higher elevations, air density decreases. This causes density altitude to increase and may impair the aircraft’s performance. Air that is less dense may result in reduced propeller efficiency and as a result, reduced thrust. Pilots should exercise caution when preflight planning on hot and humid days and adjust for decreased density altitude to avoid accidents during takeoff or landing.
What is the altimeter for pressure altitude?
Pressure Altitude. Pressure altitude is a measurement of the aircraft’s altitude above a standard datum plane, and is indicated by setting the altimeter to 29.92. For pilots flying at an altitude above 18,000 feet, setting the altimeter to 29.92 is required to establish a standard for the aircraft.
Why is air less dense?
Air that is less dense may result in reduced propeller efficiency and as a result, reduced thrust. Pilots should exercise caution when preflight planning on hot and humid days and adjust for decreased density altitude to avoid accidents during takeoff or landing.
What is true altitude?
True altitude refers to the height of an aircraft above sea level. This type of altitude is measured in terms of “feet above mean sea level,” using an average sea level since actual sea level is variable.
What is indicated altitude?
Indicated Altitude. The easiest type of altitude to remember is indicated altitude, which refers to the measurement indicated on the altimeter in your aircraft. An altimeter measures the atmospheric pressure at the aircraft’s flight altitude and then compares it to the pressure value set by the pilot. Failing to correct for pressure changes in ...
What is the definition of altitude?
Altitude is most generally defined as the vertical distance between a reference point and an object. In aviation, however, measuring altitude is far more complicated. When discussing altitude as it applies to aviation, it’s important to be clear about which kind of altitude you’re talking about.
How do you say numbers in aviation?
Pilots pronounce numbers similar to regular English, with a few exceptions:
What does Fl mean in aviation?
Flight Level ( FL ) Altitude above sea-level in 100 feet units measured according to a standard atmosphere. Strictly speaking a flight level is an indication of pressure, not of altitude.
How would you say the altitude 10000?
Controllers and pilots are frequently misunderstood due to their use of improper phraseology.
How do you announce flight level?
When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude rounded to the nearest 100 feet. SAY HEADING—Used by ATC to request an aircraft heading.
Why do pilots say Niner?
Aviators often speak “ pilot English” to avoid miscommunications over radio transmission. “Tree” for instance, means three, “fife” is the number five and “ niner ” means nine, says Tom Zecha, a manager at AOPA. The variations stemmed from a desire to avoid confusion between similar-sounding numbers, he says.
What do pilots say when landing?
Thank you.” To indicate the landing clearance or final approach, the Captain will either make the following announcement and/or blink the No Smoking sign. “Flight attendants, prepare for landing please.” “Cabin crew, please take your seats for landing.”
What frequency do pilots use?
If you wish to talk to the pilot of another airplane, use the air-to-air frequency of 122.75 MHz. It is not considered good etiquette to fill other frequencies with pilot -to- pilot chats. VOR frequencies are between 108.0 and 117.975 MHz, immediately below aviation communication frequencies beginning at 118.0.
What is the crossing altitude?
The crossing altitude must assure IFR obstruction clearance to the point where the aircraft is established on a segment of a published route or instrument approach procedure.
What is the purpose of a cruise in conjunction with an airport clearance limit?
When issuing cruise in conjunction with an airport clearance limit and an unpublished route will be used, issue an appropriate crossing altitude to ensure terrain clearance until the aircraft reaches a fix, point, or route where the altitude information is available to the pilot.
When is a lower MEA issued?
When a lower MEA for subsequent segments of the route is applicable, issue the lower MEA only after the aircraft is over or past the Fix/ NAVAID beyond which the lower MEA applies unless a crossing restriction at or above the higher MEA is issued.
What is the minimum altitude for IFR?
When the prescribed minimum altitude for IFR operations is at or above 18,000 feet MSL and the atmospheric pressure is less than 29.92”, add the appropriate adjustment factor from TBL 4-5-3 to the flight level equivalent of the minimum altitude in feet to determine the adjusted minimum flight level.
How far away from Navaid is VOR?
For aircraft using VOR, VORTAC or TACAN for navigation, this applies only within 22 miles of that NAVAID.
How high above the floor of controlled airspace can an aircraft be cleared?
An aircraft may be cleared below the MEA but not below the MOCA for the route segment being flown if the altitude assigned is at least 300 feet above the floor of controlled airspace and one of the following conditions are met:
What is descent clearance?
A descent clearance which specifies a crossing altitude authorizes descent at pilot's discretion for that portion of the flight to which the crossing altitude restriction applies.
Description
Flight level or altitude confusion occurs when a pilot is cleared to fly at a particular level and correctly acknowledges this clearance, yet levels at a different flight level or altitude.
Solution
Adherence to the pilot-controller confirmation/correction process (communication loop); and,
Accidents and Incidents
The following events on the SKYbrary database include "accepted ATC clearance not followed" as a factor:
Further Reading
HindSight 10: The tenth edition of HindSight, titled "Level Bust or... Altitude Deviation ?", published in December 2009, contains a variety or articles addressing different aspects of the Level Bust issue. These and other Level Bust products are listed in the article Level Bust Products
What is the difference between flight levels and altitude?
Flight levels use QNE or pressure altitude, while altitude references QNH or local pressure adjusted to sea level pressure. Altitudes are used at low levels and flight levels at higher levels. The transition between altitudes and flight levels differs by country and is generally just above the highest obstacle in that country.
How far apart is FL300?
So indeed, FL300 means 30,000 ft. Altitude 18000 means that the altimeter indicates 18,000 feet and that the altimeter is set to the QNH, which is the pressure reading on ...
Why is QNH important?
In the altitudes knowing accurate elevations relative to the ground and obstacles is important for collision avoidance and this is the reason QNH is used here. Each airport will report QNH and controllers will issue the current QNH as needed. You need to know the QNH for obstacle / terrain avoidance but you need to be using the same QNH as those around you for aircraft vertical separation.
Why use QNH?
QNH setting is used at lower altitude where obstacle and terrain clearance are important. But for long distance traffic it is a nuisance to change the altimeter setting as the aircraft flies through different pressure areas on the ground. Therefor the Flight Level concept was introduced, allowing everybody on higher altitude to use the same setting. This also reduces the chance that aircraft have a different altimeter setting in the same airspace, which would cause vertical separation problems.
What does FL180 stand for?
FL180 and FL300 stand for Flight Level 180 and Fight Level 300.
What is the standard reference pressure for terrain?
Above all terrain/obstacles the only thing we care about is vertical separation, so we no longer need to know about the actual pressure and instead use a standard reference pressure, QNE / 1013.25 hPa / 29.92" Hg.
How high is 500 MB?
500 mb correlates to 5500 m or 18,000 ft in a standard atmosphere. In a real atmosphere this height varies and is not actually level. An airplane flying "level" at FL180 from LAX to NYC last night will have actually descended almost 300 m while indicating a constant altitude. These deviations in true altitude from indicated altitude are acceptable, however, since they effect everyone equally in the same locality and separation is maintained.
Why do controllers turn down flight following?
Controllers don't turn down flight following without good reason. They do it because they feel that the traffic level is reaching a point where additional workload from VFR aircraft may compromise the safety of the IFR traffic they are working.
How to learn to use the phraseology correctly?
Listen to how pilots respond to ATC transmissions. Imita ting others is often how we learn to use the phraseology correctly—and incorrectly. Looking up new words and phrases in the AIM makes understanding what you hear easier, and it tells you what communications are "correct" and "incorrect."
Where is the "right words" glossary?
The "Pilot/Controller Glossary" is the United States' official source for the "right words." Pilots find it in the Aeronautical Information Manual and controllers find the same glossary in their ATC handbook. Here are some selections from the P/CG that might make your next conversation with ATC more concise and your flight a bit safer.
What do you learn in ATC training?
During your training, you'll learn to work with tower and ground controllers. How about flight following? Routinely requesting this ATC service during your cross-country flights affords you an added margin of safety. It also makes you more comfortable talking to ATC and gives you a ready source for hearing new aviation phrases.
What is the best reference for learning good ATC communication skills and phraseology?
The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is the best reference for learning good ATC communication skills and phraseology. Because the FAA writes it, the AIM also is the most authoritative source for instrument flight rules procedures.
What do tower controllers tell you to do on takeoff?
Takeoff instructions are one exception. The tower controller may tell you to "Maintain [or Fly] runway heading.". In this case, you already know the heading to fly. Regardless of the information transmitted, there should never be a question in a pilot's or controller's mind that both are talking about the same thing.
Why is it important to have long transmissions?
Long, detailed transmissions ensure the controller receives the needed information, but these monologues also tie up the frequency. If the controller is working five other airplanes and needs to issue timely control instructions, he can't do it until you release the microphone button. This delay may affect the safety of the other airplanes. Transmissions that are too brief usually result in the controller asking you to provide more detail. When that happens, it defeats the point of being brief.
What is an adverse yaw?
Adverse Yaw – When an aircraft turns in the opposite direction of a roll due to use of ailerons and the difference in lift and drag of each wing. Aeronautical Decision-Making – Training and planning to make the best and safest decisions to mitigate risk.
What is an acceleration stall?
Accelerated Stall – A stall that occurs at a higher airspeed than a normal stall due to a higher load factor (g).
What is the angle of attack?
Angle of Attack – The angle between a reference line on an airfoil and the direction of the oncoming air. Angle of Incidence – The angle at which a reference line on an airfoil is perpendicular to the aircraft’s longitudinal surface axis.
What is an airfoil?
Airfoil – The cross-sectional shape of a wing, blade, turbine, or rotor that produces lift. Airline – A company or organization that offers regularly scheduled flights and routes. Airspace Classes – The different types of airspace defined by ICAO and adopted around the world.
What is an approach in aviation?
Approach – The phase of flight when the pilot intends to land on the runway. There are different types of approaches, depending on whether the pilot is flying VFR or IFR. Apron – The paved area at an airport where aircraft park, fuel, load, and unload.
What is the difference between AGL and Aileron?
AGL – (Above Ground Level) – The vertical distance measured between the aircraft and a specific land mass. Aileron – The movable, hinged flight control surfaces that are used in pairs with opposite motions to control the roll of an aircraft. Learn more about the parts of an airplane.
What is ADF in aviation?
ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) – A navigation system that identifies the relative bearing of an aircraft based on a radio beacon transmitting in the MF or LF bandwidth.
How fast can a pilot fly at 10,000 feet?
Pilots tend to associate a 250 knot speed restriction with a 10,000 foot altitude assignment, since civil aircraft are normally restricted to a speed of 250 knots or less below 10,000 feet. "A clearance for 250 knots generally makes a pilot think about 10,000 feet due to the association of 250 knots below 10 thousand.".
Why do controllers use single digit and group form phraseology?
Controllers and pilots are encouraged to use both single digit and group form phraseology in order to reinforce altitude assignments whenever there is the possibility of misunderstanding. Consider the following examples.
What factors affect the ability of controllers to closely monitor pilot readbacks?
Cockpit duties and distractions result in only one flight crew member monitoring the ATC frequency. Similarly, controller workload and frequency congestion are factors which affect the ability of controllers to closely monitor pilot readbacks.
Why is the 10k/11k quandary so confusing?
The 10K/11K quandary seems to be rooted in confusing phraseology and improper radio technique--compounded by the Readback/Hearback problem.
How can controllers help with hearback?
Controllers can help make a conscientious effort to defeat the hearback problem, by being aware of the nasty effects of including too many numbers in the same transmission, and by using named intersections rather than number of miles when issuing crossing restrictions.
Why are controllers and pilots misunderstood?
Controllers and pilots are frequently misunderstood due to their use of improper phraseology.
What does "ident" mean in controller transmission?
Controller transmission: " (Ident) descend and maintain one-zero-thousand, that's ten (with emphasis) thousand."
