172
edits
Altitude: Difference between revisions
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improved some expressions in the head
(small changes to pressure altitude and to general definitions) |
(improved some expressions in the head) |
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In aviation the height | In aviation the height the aircraft is flying in is called the altitude. It is expressed in feet. The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 metres. In aircrafts the altitude is measured with the [[altimeter]]. The basis of the altimeter is the same as a 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 very sensitive and the air pressure caused by the weather has great influence on it. | ||
In contrast to [[altimeter|altimeters]], ground radar is perfect for measuring directly the altitude above the ground without being influenced by the weather. It is used for ground warning systems. | |||
In communication with [[ATC]] two types of altitude are being used: | |||
#lower airspace: [[#True altitude|true altitude]] (normally just called altitude) | |||
#upper airspace: [[#Flight level|flight level]] (FL) | |||
==Indicated altitude== | ==Indicated altitude== | ||
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The altimeter can be set to '''three''' possible references | The altimeter can be set to '''three''' possible references | ||
#to [[#QNH|QNH]], resulting in the indicated altitude "matching" the [[#True altitude|true altitude]] (see below). | #to [[#QNH|QNH]], resulting in the indicated altitude "matching" the [[#True altitude|true altitude]] (see below). | ||
#to the Standard pressure (29.92" Hg or 1013.25 | #to the Standard pressure (29.92" Hg or 1013.25 hPa) making the altimeter show the [[#Pressure altitude|pressure altitude]]. This configuration should only be used in high altitudes. | ||
#to the [[#Height|height]] above the airfield. While on the runway the indicated altitude would read zero. Near the airfield the indicated altitude would be the [[#Absolute altitude|absolute altitude]] ([[above ground level]]). | #to the [[#Height|height]] above the airfield. While on the runway the indicated altitude would read zero. Near the airfield the indicated altitude would be the [[#Absolute altitude|absolute altitude]] ([[above ground level]]). | ||