FDX Altimetry
#41
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Posts: 221
FedEx to offer pilots free Thai massages and happy endings. Some complain about cold hands.
#42
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: MD-11
Posts: 395
Rarely flying domestically I found the now "old" procedure of setting QNH when cleared below TL more confusing than helpful, especially on arrivals with descend via clearances. Added another layer of mental gymnastics when it's really just simpler to wait for the FL180 and call for the checklist. It's why most airlines have a inrange checklist at FL180.
I think it makes most sense to change the domestic altimeter at 180. That’s what we’ve done forever, and it coincides with our In Range checklist. International is different because nearly every country has a different transition altitude, many of them very low. But, even over there, it is sometimes confusing to select QNH far before you cross the TL, especially when there often is a call to level off prior to the TL by ATC due to traffic (I’m thinking Korea, China). The international industry standard should be to select it as you cross the TL. It makes it certain that you are at the proper altitude when you should be, despite vectoring and early level offs by ATC, and acts as a reminder to international crews of exactly where that TL is. My two cents. (Due to Obama’s Treasury Dept. printing money, it’s now more like a half-penny’s worth).
#43
Except setting local altimeter as you cross the TL does not always help the jet think. If you have a 300 ft altimeter change at FL180 and an altitude to make at 16k or 17k, your just made you day interesting. Setting it in the mid 20s or higher (as long as there are no FL restrictions) makes the descent work much better.
#44
Having worked at ExpressJet and World Airways and jumpseated on most other US airlines (in the cockpit) it's what I've observed. Could have a faulty memory though.
#45
Except setting local altimeter as you cross the TL does not always help the jet think. If you have a 300 ft altimeter change at FL180 and an altitude to make at 16k or 17k, your just made you day interesting. Setting it in the mid 20s or higher (as long as there are no FL restrictions) makes the descent work much better.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post