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What is the approximate true altitude of the aircraft? It is flying at 3000 ft indicated altitude with an outside air temperature of ISA +20°C and with the QNH of 998 hPa set on the altimeter subscale, measured by a nearby airport at sea level.
  • A
    3240 ft
  • B
    2760 ft
  • C
    3480 ft
  • D
    2800 ft

Refer to figure.
In this question, we are given a pressure altitude (in the form of a flight level) and are asked for the corresponding true altitude.

The first step is to compute the pressure correction by considering the deviation from the standard mean sea level pressure of 1013 hPa. In this case, the aircraft is flying an altitude with the correct QNH set, therefore, pressure correction shall be disregarded.

Next, we need to determine the temperature correction. The ISA deviation is ISA +20°C. Based on the 4% rule and its calculation mentioned in the rules below, the height correction for the temperature can be calculated as follows: Height correction for temperature = 4 × (+20) × (3000/1000) = 240 ft.

The temperature correction is added to the indicated altitude as per the rules below, to give a true altitude of 3240 ft.


RULES. The following rules should be considered for altimetry calculations:

  • All calculations are based on rounded pressure values to the nearest lower hPa.
  • The value for the barometric lapse rate between MSL and 500 hPa to be used is 30 ft/hPa as an acceptable approximation of the barometric lapse rate (if not provided by the question).
  • To determine the true altitude/height, the following rule of thumb, called the ‘4 %-rule’, shall be used: the altitude/height changes by 4% for each 10°C temperature deviation from ISA.
    For simplification: Height correction for the temp = 4 × (ISA DEV) × Indicated alt/1000 = _____ ft
  • If no further information is given, the deviation of the outside-air temperature from ISA is considered to be the same throughout the whole layer.
  • The elevation of the aerodrome has to be taken into account. The temperature correction has to be considered for the layer between the station (usually an aerodrome) and the position of the aircraft.

IF

THEN

Higher pressure
 

Indicated Altitude > Pressure Altitude

Lower pressure
 

Indicated Altitude < Pressure Altitude

Warmer than ISA
 

True Altitude > Indicated Altitude

Colder than ISA
 

True Altitude < Indicated Altitude

DEFINITIONS.
Pressure Altitude: The altimeter indication with standard pressure (1013.2 hPa) set.
Indicated Altitude: The altimeter indication with local QNH set.
True altitude: The actual altitude of the aircraft above mean sea level.

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