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Altitude: Difference between revisions
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In aviation the height | In aviation, altitude is the height at which an aircraft is flying. Expressed in feet, an aircraft's altitude is measured with an [[altimeter]]. The basis of the altimeter is the same as that of an aneroid barometer: an airtight drum that will change shape depending on the pressure of the surrounding air. The higher the aircraft, the larger the drum. The altimeter is a very sensitive instrument, and as such the air pressure acting on it influences the reading of the altimeter greatly. | ||
In contrast | In contrast, ground radar is ideal for measuring altitude above the ground without being influenced by the weather. Ground radar is often used for ground warning systems. | ||
In communication with [[ATC]] two | In communication with [[ATC]] two terms for altitude are used. In lower airspace, the term [[#True altitude|true altitude]], or simply ''"altitude"'', is used. In upper airspace, the term [[#Flight level|flight level]] (often abbreviated to FL) is preferred. | ||