Define altimeter setting

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Multiple Choice

Define altimeter setting

Explanation:
The altimeter setting is the pressure value dialed into the altimeter so it reads altitude relative to mean sea level. Since air pressure decreases with height, you need a reference pressure that represents sea level. That reference comes from the local station pressure corrected to MSL, i.e., the station pressure adjusted to mean sea level. When you set this pressure (often called QNH in meteorological reports), the instrument shows your altitude above sea level. If instead you set the pressure corresponding to the airport elevation (QFE), you’d read height above the airport, not above MSL.

The altimeter setting is the pressure value dialed into the altimeter so it reads altitude relative to mean sea level. Since air pressure decreases with height, you need a reference pressure that represents sea level. That reference comes from the local station pressure corrected to MSL, i.e., the station pressure adjusted to mean sea level. When you set this pressure (often called QNH in meteorological reports), the instrument shows your altitude above sea level. If instead you set the pressure corresponding to the airport elevation (QFE), you’d read height above the airport, not above MSL.

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