QFE Call

[mooshim]

It seems there's yet something more missing to my landing procedure.

 

I'm confused regarding what I do with the QFE call...and the information given.

 

The manual, though thorough and helpful, offers little in this regard.

 

I read somewhere that I am to alter my altitude reading on my altimeter somehow based on the QFE call that I receive from ATC.

 

Could some kind soul deliver me from noob darkness and into the light?

 

Many thanks.

 

P.S.

 

If you're inclined, I would love a word or two on the relationship barometric pressure has to the altitude of my aircraft. God, if only my science teacher hadn't worn those tight sweaters, I would've been able to pay attention...and learnt something.:joystick:

Edited January 10, 2011 by 159th_Viper

[RogueRunner]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code

 

Use the dail on your altimeter to dail in the value given to you by ATC. This will calibrate your altimeter to display the correct value for the current atmospheric pressure.

 

QFE will display 0' on the ground

QNH will display altitute (height above sea level)

[Napa]

God, if only my science teacher hadn't worn those tight sweaters, I would've been able to pay attention...and learnt something.:joystick:

 

:lol:

[mooshim]

Thanks~ :)

[mtuckner]

Seems it's broken to me. It will say QFE 29 or QFE 28 and should probably give the two decimal format ala QFE 28.89.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

QFE will display 0' on the ground

QNH will display altitute (height above sea level)

 

Specifically, QFE dialled in will give you a hight above a given pressure level. This is usually the highest runway threshold (I believe). This is so you know how high you are above the runway, useful for flying the circuit and for approach, especially in rubbish weather. It's useless when flying away from an airfield. It has the advantage in that it won't be affected in variations in ground elevation around the airfield.

 

QHN as said gives hight above mean sea level - useful for terrain clearance.

 

QNE, is a standard pressure setting and is used when flying at higher altitudes. It makes sure everyone is flying on the same pressure setting to allow for seperation or for example in the case of air to air refueling, making sure aircraft are actually at the same alt.

 

The baro altimeter measures pressure. Pressure decreases as you climb, that's how you get an altitude reading.

 

As mtuckner said though, it's not quite working as it should at the mo.

[recoil17]

Seems it's broken to me. It will say QFE 29 or QFE 28 and should probably give the two decimal format ala QFE 28.89.

 

When I dial my altimeter according to the ATC's instructions, the tenths and hundreths of a decimal usually don't even change a foot in altitude. so I believe that's why they only give a QFE rading in tens and hundreds.

 

I always round it off. If the ATC says QFE 29, I dial in QFE 29.00, anything in between really doesn't seen to make a difference.

 

EDIT: Well, that's prob. because the Altimiter doesn't display anything below 100 feet. so nevermind.

Edited January 10, 2011 by recoil17