Multiple choice

The pressure prevailing at an airfield is 1015.15 hPa. If the pilot sets QNE on the altimeter subscale, what will the altimeter read?

  1. 57 feet

  2. -57 feet

  3. 0 feet

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Standard pressure (QNE) is 1013.25 hPa. The field pressure is 1015.15 hPa, which is 2 hPa higher. Since 1 hPa ≈ 30 feet at sea level, 2 hPa × 30 feet/hPa = 60 feet. The field is at higher pressure than standard, so it's like being below the standard pressure datum. Therefore, the altimeter will read approximately -57 feet (negative, indicating below the standard pressure level of 0 feet). This is a pressure altitude calculation.

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