FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Performance, Weight and BalanceEasy
A pilot is planning a takeoff from an airport with a field elevation of 3,500 feet MSL. The outside air temperature (OAT) is 25°C, and the altimeter setting is 29.92 inHg. What is the approximate pressure altitude?
- A3,500 feet
- B4,100 feet
- C3,800 feet
- D3,200 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 3,500 feet
Pressure altitude is the altitude indicated when the altimeter setting is 29.92 inHg. If the altimeter setting is already 29.92 inHg, then the pressure altitude is equal to the field elevation.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect. This would be true if the altimeter setting was significantly lower than 29.92 inHg.
- C. Incorrect. This would be true if the altimeter setting was lower than 29.92 inHg.
- D. Incorrect. This would be true if the altimeter setting was higher than 29.92 inHg.
Pressure Altitude
The altitude in the standard atmosphere corresponding to a particular pressure level; it is the indicated altitude when an altimeter is set to 29.92 inHg.
- Used for aircraft performance calculations.
- Calculated by adjusting field elevation for non-standard altimeter settings.
- If altimeter setting is 29.92 inHg, pressure altitude equals field elevation.
Memory trick: Pressure Altitude: It's the standard, when 29.92 is your command.