Altimeter Errors Overview

Questions and Answers

If a flight is made from an area of lower pressure into an area of high pressure without the altimeter setting being adjusted, the altimeter will indicate

The actual altitude above sea level

Lower than the actual altitude above sea level (correct)

Higher than the actual altitude above sea level

If a flight is made from an area of high pressure into an area of lower pressure without the altimeter setting being adjusted, the altimeter will indicate

The actual altitude above sea level

Higher than the actual altitude above sea level (correct)

Lower than the actual altitude above sea level

Which condition would cause the altimeter to indicate a lower altitude than true altitude?

Air temperature lower than standard

Air temperature warmer than standard (correct)

Atmospheric pressure lower than standard

Under what condition will true altitude be lower than indicated altitude?

<p>In colder than standard air temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do variations in temperature affect the altimeter?

<p>Pressure levels are raised on warm days and the indicated altitude is lower than true altitude</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Altimeter Errors Overview

Altimeter measures altitude based on atmospheric pressure; inaccurate settings can lead to incorrect altitude readings.

Lower to Higher Pressure Transition

Flying from low to high pressure without adjusting the altimeter results in indicated altitude being lower than actual altitude.

Higher to Lower Pressure Transition

Transitioning from high to low pressure without altitude adjustment causes the altimeter to show a higher than actual altitude.

Effects of Air Temperature on Altitude Indication

Warmer air indicates a lower altitude than actually flown; altimeter shows lower altitude in warm conditions.
Conversely, colder air results in the aircraft being lower than what the altimeter indicates; true altitude gets less than indicated altitude in cold air.

Temperature Variations and Altimeter Impact

Higher temperatures cause pressure levels to expand, leading to indicated altitudes being higher than actual; remember the adage: "low to high, clear the sky."
On warmer days, atmospheric pressure levels are raised compared to cooler days, resulting in a lower indication on the altimeter.

Description

This quiz explores the various errors related to altimeter readings due to atmospheric pressure changes and air temperature variations. Understand how failures to adjust the altimeter can lead to incorrect altitude indications during transitions between different pressure systems. Test your knowledge on the impact of these factors on flight safety.